Migrant Integration Center of the Municipality of Thessaloniki
About this good practice
The Migrant Integration Center of the Municipality of Thessaloniki has been operating as an annex of the Community Center of the Municipality of Thessaloniki and complementary to the social service of the municipality.The beneficiaries are immigrants, asylum seekers and beneficiaries of international protection.Specialized professionals provide support in:the procedures of the beneficiaries with public services through file preparation, communication-mediation with the services, interpretation, information on benefits, rights,educational programs, entertainment programs and actions, detection of vulnerability and special intervention in the case of people belonging to vulnerable social groups, networking with municipal services,local organizations, state bodies and NGOs for the interconnection and referral aimed at satisfying the individual needs of the beneficiaries.Consulting services are also provided.The work of the Council includes the recording of problems faced by immigrants and refugees who live permanently in the municipality's district for issues related to their inclusion in the local community, their contact with the municipal authority,the submission proposals to the Municipal Council for the development of local actions.The MIC has implemented the following initiatives for the effective social integration of immigrants in the local society: Greek language program, Parent Groups, Employment Counseling, Support for young adults aged 18-23 with a refugee profile.
Resources needed
The staff includes social worker, psychologist, legal counselor, administrative staff and intercultural mediators. However, the basic challenge for the effective operation of most of the MICs is the staffing. MICs are funded by the European Social Fund through the Regional Operation Programs.
Evidence of success
Aggregate data on the operation of all eleven MICs operating in Greece are available indicating that 66.748 third-country nationals have been benefitted by their services (almost 20 people per day).
Potential for learning or transfer
Taking into consideration that integration is taking place mainly at the local level, MICs, as an institution of the local government and as a supplement to the social services of the municipalities, can serve as a contact point between third-country nationals and public services. MICs can facilitate the identification of specific needs of the population with a migrant origin and suggest targeted measures to the municipal authorities. Moreover, MICs can raise awareness against discrimination and racism through the events they organize facilitating also the networking of third-country nationals.