An IOM programme to help migrant diasporas contribute to the
reconstruction and development in several post-war countries in
Africa, Europe and South Asia has received new funding from the
Dutch government.

The 2.5 million euro, three-year programme aims to facilitate
the temporary return of qualified nationals living in the
Netherlands to Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sierra Leone,
Sudan and Georgia. 

It builds on a successful two-year pilot project, which has
helped organize 160 temporary assignments, among others in fields
of health, education, agriculture and technical assistance to
governments, to Sudan (39 assignments), Afghanistan (37), Bosnia
Herzegovina (30), Sierra Leone (26), Serbia (20) and Kosovo
(8).  

"The Netherlands is keen to support the transfer of skills from
diasporas to help countries of origin, especially those emerging
from conflict," says Joost van der Aalst, Chief of Mission of IOM
The Netherlands.  "Migrants who take part in our programmes
bring new ideas, skills and know-how and act as catalysts for
longer term change."

As well as coordinating the temporary return of qualified
migrants with IOM missions and government partners in target
countries, IOM The Hague will also match needs with skills
available among the diasporas in The Netherlands.

IOM offices in The Hague and Accra are also currently working
with the Ghanaian Ministry of Health to encourage Ghanaians and
other African health professionals employed in the Netherlands, the
United Kingdom and Germany to take up temporary employment in
Ghanaian health institutions.

For more information, please contact:

Marian Lenshoek

IOM The Hague

Tel + 31.70.3181542 or

      + 31.6.51576013

E-mail: "mailto:mlenshoek@iom.int">mlenshoek@iom.int