The Inform offers the analysis of the policy and operational support available to return counsellors to assist them in their role to provide migrants with timely, unbiased and reliable information on return. It found that there were no national legal or policy frameworks in place to ensure a standardized approach for return counsellors’ minimum qualifications and training requirements; however, minimum standards were upheld by relying on well-established practices or, in some cases, guidance and expertise provided by IOM. Professional support typically included initial training, refresher courses, handbooks, guidelines and helplines. In some cases, counsellor monitoring practices were also in place. One of the main challenges identified was the limited personal support available to help councilors to deal with aspects of the work that could be difficult and emotionally draining.

The outcomes of the Inform shows that across both government and non-government providers, in the main, counselling fulfils two inter-linked purposes: to help the migrant to make an informed decision; and to ensure the effective implementation of migration policies by encouraging voluntary return and ensuring compliance with return procedures. While available to all third-country nationals, counselling occurs generally when an irregular situation is detected, and during the return procedure. Good practices included tailoring the counselling approach to the specific circumstances and needs of the individual, as well as the development of clear indicators and tools to measure the impact of the process of return counselling.

Link: Slovak version

Link: Slovak version

Link: Slovak version

Link: Slovak version

The study analyses the profile of seasonal workers and sectors they work in. It looks at the national strategies and measures taken in order to attract seasonal workers. It also examines to what extent the needs of labour market are filled by these workers. With regards to the pandemic situation during which the study was written it addresses the impact of COVID-19 on hiring seasonal workers. In the last chapter, it maps the application of protective aspects and rights of seasonal workers that stem from the Directive on Seasonal Workers.

The Overview describes how main asylum and migration policies related to third-country nationals are organised in the Slovak Republic from the institutional perspective as well as from the perspective of their mutual relations. It is based on the information valid as of September 2020. Overviews are available also for other EU Member States and Norway.