From September 7 to 9, 2022, project partners NSDS, ZRC SAZU and MOL hosted the Mutual Learning Program (MLP) within the UnionMigrantNet & Cities Together for Integration project. Partners from Slovenia welcomed partners from Italy and ETUC and two guests from the Center for Peace Studies from Croatia. The experiences, practices, measures and instruments used in integration processes in Slovenia are presented. Representatives of the Municipality of Ljubljana, Municipality of Milano, Municipality of Pordenone, CISL, NSDS, ANOLF, ZRC SAZU, Center for Peace Studies from Croatia and ETUC participated in this MLP. In three days, 40 representatives of various organizations and individuals were involved in MLP in Slovenia.
The activities included a presentation of the National Integration Evaluation Mechanism, a visit to the Office of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for the Care and Integration of Migrants, a visit to two refugee camps for refugees and asylum seekers in Ljubljana, a visit to a refugee camp for families and vulnerable groups in Logatec, a visit to an orphanage for Ukrainian children in Postojna, a visit to the accommodation center for minor refugees and asylum seekers in Postojna, a visit to the Slovenian Philanthropy and the Day Center for Migrants in Ljubljana, the BOB institute in Ljubljana, the PRO BONO health clinic for people without health insurance in Ljubljana.
Slovenia is more of a transit country, which is gradually becoming a country of immigration settlement from a transit country. Traditionally, immigrants who come as economic migrants are from the countries of the former Yugoslavia. Other immigrants are in smaller numbers and come from different countries of the world, where the inhabitants feel various crises. The picture of immigrants changed somewhat with the crisis in Ukraine and the arrival of refugees from Ukraine.
Likewise, the inhabitants of Slovenia themselves are emigrating to Western Europe, but among them there are also many workers who are employed in Slovenian companies, but work as posted workers in Western EU countries.
The Office of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for care and integration, as well as state institutions, trade unions and civil society (NGO’s) help in the reception and integration of migrants. Migrants tend to organize their lives in large cities such as Ljubljana and Maribor due to access to employment or an existing network of compatriots.
