Anahit - Integration Assistance (Oganavan)

Anahit left Armenia in September 2017 due to medical problems. The family sold animal stock to cover the costs of travelling to Europe and the medical expenses. She found life in Belgium to be expensive, and medical treatments did not live up to her expectations. In addition to this, she missed her family back in Armenia. Through IOM’s return partner in Mechelen, she received information about the possibility to return and receive assistance through the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration Programme. Accordingly, an appointment was made with an IOM counsellor that visited her to discuss her possible return in more detail. Anahit returned to her home village Oganavan in early July 2018, reuniting with her husband and son.

Upon arrival, she got in touch with IOM Armenia further discuss her plans. The family is active in cattle breeding and agriculture (fruits and seeds) and sells their products directly on a market in Yerevan. She decided to use most of the re-integration assistance fund to buy cattle. Additionally, the assistance helped her cover a minor surgery. IOM Armenia, through the Job Placement Project, is currently looking how to secure the future of the family business. They are looking into training and means on how to improve the production and conservation processes of milk and cheese.