Athens – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum, together with the Embassy of Ukraine in Greece, announced Wednesday (13/07) the inclusion of Ukrainian nationals within the IOM HELIOS project, extending critical integration and employability support to recognized refugees and beneficiaries of international protection in Greece.

As of mid-July, an estimated 5.6 million refugees have fled Ukraine, and an additional 6 million people have been displaced within the country.

Following the European Union’s decision to offer temporary protection to people fleeing Ukraine and responding to their urgent housing needs in Greece, IOM will provide them with accommodation support that includes rental subsidies for 12 months and assistance finding homes in Greece.

Displaced Ukrainians in Greece will also benefit from integration courses, language classes in specialized learning centres throughout the country and employability assistance.

“The inclusion of Ukrainian nationals into the HELIOS project will provide significant support to those who fled the war and are now looking for accommodation in Greece,” said IOM Greece Chief of Mission Gianluca Rocco.

“Those who are interested in working in Greece will have the opportunity to explore available job positions in the Greek labour market and be better equipped to make future career and life decisions.”

Since its creation in 2019, the IOM HELIOS project has provided rental subsidies to more than 17,000 people and conducted over 8,400 job counselling sessions.

Following the decision of the Greek authorities to provide accommodation and food to Ukrainian nationals upon their arrival in Greece, IOM has played an active role in the reception process – supporting over 240 Ukrainian nationals with specialized protection assistance, community engagement and skills development activities.

As part of the Organization’s global response to the war in Ukraine, IOM Greece quickly mobilized its supply chain to distribute over 22,000 assets, including non-food and household items, bedding kits and personal hygiene items to Ukraine and neighbouring countries.

About the IOM HELIOS project

Launched in July 2019 with initial funding from the European Union and subsequent support from the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum, the HELIOS Integration Project, implemented throughout Greece by IOM, aims to promote and support the integration of beneficiaries of international protection into Greek society. The initiatives and pillars of the project focus on integration courses, supporting the housing and employment of target populations, monitoring their integration process, and raising awareness amongst host communities.

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For more information, please contact: 

Christine Nikolaidou, Media and Communications Coordinator at IOM Greece, Tel: +30 210 – 9919040, Email: cnikolaidou@iom.int