MODEL NATIONAL PROGRAMME AMIF
IDENTIFICATION OF THE DESIGNATED AUTHORITIES
SECTION 1: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
SECTION 2:BASELINE SITUATION IN THE MEMBER STATE
SECTION 3: PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES (ARTICLE 14.5 REGULATION (EC) No 514/2014)
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE 1:Asylum
National objective 1: Reception/Asylum/ AMIF Article 5
National objective 2: Evaluation / AMIF Article 6
National objective 3: Resettlement / AMIF Article 7
Specific action 1: Transit Centres / AMIF Annex II.1
Specific action 2: Access to Asylum / AMIF Annex II.2
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE 2: Integration/Legal migration
National objective 1: Legalmigration / AMIF Articles 8 and 10(a), (c), (d)
National objective 2: Integration / AMIF Article 9
National objective 3: Capacity / AMIF Articles 10 (c), (d), (e) ,(f),(g)
Specific action 3: Joint initiatives / AMIF Annex II.3
Specific action 4: Unaccompanied minors / AMIF Annex II.4
Specific action 8: Legal migration / AMIF Annex II.8
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE 3:Return______
National objective 1: Accompanying measures / AMIF Article 11, 12(g)
National objective 2: Return measures / AMIF Articles 12 (a) to (e)
National objective 3: Cooperation / AMIF Article 13
Specific action 5: Joint return / AMIF Annex II.5
Specific action 6: Joint reintegration / AMIF Annex II.6
Specific action 7: Joint family unity and unaccompanied minor reintegration / AMIF Annex II.7
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE 4: Solidarity
National objective 1: Relocation / AMIF Article 7.2
SECTION 4: INDICATIVE TIMETABLE (ARTICLE 14(2)(c) OF REGULATION (EU) NO 514/2014)
SECTION 5: SPECIAL CASES
SECTION 6: COMMON INDICATORS AND PROGRAMME SPECIFIC INDICATORS (ARTICLE 14 (2)(F) OF REGULATION (EU) NO 514/2014 AND ANNEX IV of REGULATION (EU) NO 516/2014)
SECTION 7: FRAMEWORK FOR PREPARATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAMME BY THE MEMBER STATE
SECTION 8: THE FINANCING PLAN OF THE PROGRAMME (ARTICLE 14(2)(i) OF REGULATION(EU) No 514/2014)
IDENTIFICATION OF THE DESIGNATED AUTHORITIES
Competent authorities responsible for the management and control systems (Article 25 of Regulation (EU) No 514/2014).
Identification and contact details:
Name of the authority / Head of the authority / Address / Email address / Date of designation / Activities delegatedResponsible Authority / Ministry of the Interior, Secretariat, Finance and Purchasing Office, European Funds Service, Project Unit for Internal Security and Migration Funds / Erik Kern / Štefanova 2, SI-1501 Ljubljana, Slovenia / / N/A
Audit Authority / Ministry of Finance, Budget Supervision Office of the Republic of Slovenia (BSO) / Nataša Prah / Fajfarjeva 33, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia /
Delegated Authority 1 / Ministry of Finance, Budget Directorate, Department for Management of EU Funds / Mateja Mahkovec / Beethovnova 11, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia / / On the spot controls, payments
Delegated Authority 2 / Ministry of the Interior, Secretariat, Finance and Purchasing Office, Public Procurement and Purchasing Service / Nataša Grgasovič / Štefanova 2, SI-1501 Ljubljana, Slovenia / / Preparation and managementof calls for proposals
Attached document: notification of designation with:
a) the main division of responsibilities between its organisational units;
b) where appropriate, its relationship with delegated authorities, the activities to be delegated, and the mainprocedures for supervising these delegated activities; and
c) a summary of the main procedures for processing financial claims from beneficiaries and for authorising and recording expenditure
Please provide a summary description of the envisaged management and control system (Article 14(2)(g) of Regulation (EU) No 514/2014).
The system will stay similar to the current system under the SOLID funds. The Project Unit for Internal Security and Migration Funds will be the Responsible Authority. The current Certifying Authority (Department for Management of EU Funds within the Ministry of Finance) will continue its role as a delegated authority authorizing payments from EU budget (this task has to be delegated according to Slovenian legislation); it will also take over the on the spot controls. The function of the Audit Authority will continue to be carried out by the Budget Supervision Office at the Ministry of Finance. The Public Procurement and Purchasing Service of the Ministry of the Interior (hereinafter MoI) will be delegated the tasks of preparation and implementation of calls for proposals.type=‘S’ maxlength=‘900’ input=‘M,''decision='N'[1]
CCI / <0.1 type="S" maxlength="15" input="G">
Title / The national programme of the Asylum, Migration and Integration fund for [MemberState]
Version / <0.3 type="N" input="G">
First Year / <0.4 type="N" maxlength="4" input="M">
Last Year / 2020
Eligible From / 1 January 2014
Eligible To / 30 June 2023
EC Decision Number / <0.8 type="S" input="G">
EC Decision Date / <0.8 type="D" input="G">1
SECTION 1: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Please provide an overall summary of the entire programme, highlighting national strategies, main goals and results to be attained.
ASYLUM: Main goals are improved quality and speed of asylum decision-makingprocess (including through training of staff) as well asquality monitoring, evaluation and contingency planning procedures. Assistance and support to asylum seekers will encompass provision of information and various services (legal, translation, interpretation, social, medical, etc.). Actions will further be aimed at improving reception infrastructure, services and conditions, continued implementation of alternatives to detention (also through provision of sufficient means of living for those asylum seekers residing outside the reception centres), as well as identification and improved conditions for vulnerable persons. Improvement of general public awareness will be ensured through training, information campaigns, and events.INTEGRATION: Slovenia will focus on vulnerable persons such as women, children, and elderly persons. Actions will be aimed at achieving the highest level of inclusion for third country nationals (hereinafter TCN) and persons under international protection (hereinafter IP) in all crucial areas of integration policy: education, training, employment, knowledge of the language andsociety, as well as an active participation in social and political life.
Actions will be aimed at improving the awareness of the general public, authorities, and migrants themselves of integration issues. Info-point for TCN will offer all available information on life and work in Slovenia, whilst special integration programmes will facilitate active participation of target groups in all spheres of social life in Slovenia.
As regards persons under IP, integration assistance will be provided through an individual approach based on a personal integration plans. Measures will encompass a variety of possibilities, such as education, employment, recognition of education, accommodation, participation in Slovenian language courses, knowledge of the Slovenian culture, history and constitutional order, and others.
Capacity building will be aimed at building sustainable cooperation amongst relevant stakeholders, particularly through training of staff working with TCN (especiallyinter-cultural competences) as well as training for policymakers, officials and other staff indirectly involved in integration issues. The programme will further support the improvement of infrastructure, services and conditions of stay for TCN in integration houses, which represent a unique approach to tackling initial integration in Slovenia. Practical cooperation among Member States (hereinafter MS) will also be promoted.
Actions will also be aimed atimprovement of existing integration mechanisms and approaches throughanalysis and evaluation activities.
RETURN: Actions will focus on providing a fair and effective return policy with both its voluntary and forced return components. Preferential use of voluntary return in cooperation with NGOs, competent international organizations and countries of origin will be encouraged. Particular attention will be given to provision of judicial review of detention and cooperation with other MSand Frontex (e.g. identification procedures, joint return flights operations, exchange of know-how, knowledge, and expertise).
As there is only one detention centre in Slovenia (i.e. the Aliens centre), the goal of improving the infrastructure, maintenance, services, and living conditions will be focused on these premises. The persons detained in the centre will be granted necessary social, psychological, medical, and other forms of assistance. An important task is also strengthening of the monitoring system of forced return as well as continuous analysis and evaluation of return mechanisms and practices, which have to take place in cooperation with NGOs.
Actions aimed at facilitating a sustainable return process will further be supported. In terms of pre-return assistance, consulting services and information campaigns will take place. Post-return assistance will encompass daily allowances as well as reintegration measures such as secondary transportation, first necessary housing, medical assistance, etc.
Support to return operations will encompass cooperation with third countries' consular authorities and international organizations, use of advanced parties, support to liaison officers in third countries, and administrative preparation of return operations. Age assessment procedures will facilitate family reunification, investigation of THB, and family tracing.
Finally, education and training of staff is planned in order to increase capacity of the Aliens centre and staff dealing with return issues(e.g. language courses, human rights and liberties trainings, cultural awareness and intercultural competencies oriented trainings, regular trainings for escorts, etc.).
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SECTION 2:BASELINE SITUATION IN THE MEMBERSTATE
The baseline situation is a summary of the state of play as of December 2013 in the MemberState for the fields relevant to the Fund. This section shall include:
a) a description of the baseline situation in the MemberState, completed with the necessary factual information to assess the requirements correctly;
b) an analysis of requirements in the MemberState, including the key issues from the outcome of the policy dialogue;
c) measures undertaken so far, including measures implemented with the former Home Affairs Funds;
d) national needs assessment, including challenges identified in relevant evaluations; and
e) annual resources from the national budget, broken down by specific objectives set in the national programmes.
The information must be self-contained and cannot refer to information in attached documents or contain hyperlinks. A document may be attached with additional details.
Any attached document will not form part of the Commission decision approving the national programme referred to in Article 14(7) of Regulation (EU) 514/2014.
ASYLUM: National legislation is fully in line with standards andrequirements of relevant EU and other international documents. Slovenia has transposed the recast of Qualification directive on time, legal transposition of other recast acts isstill a matter of internal discussion.In 2013, 272 applications for IP have been filed (of which 31 were re-applications and 23 were returned for reconsideration). In total, 372 applications for IP have been resolved. The most common countries of origin of applicants were Syria (62), Kosovo (34) and Algeria (22). In comparison to previous years, the total number of applications is slightly decreasing (495 in 2011, 304 in 2012), whilst the number of resolved applications remains on a similar level (392 in 2011, 328 in 2012). 37 persons were granted the status of IP in 2013 (23 were granted refugee status and 14 subsidiary protection status), the most common countries of origin being Syria, Afghanistan, Eritrea and the Russian Federation. In the period 1995-2013, 304 persons were granted the status of IP altogether.
All applicants for IP are provided adequate accommodation, care and treatment (aligned with relevant EU standards), and procedural guarantees in IP procedures.Standards have regularly been monitored and evaluated by the Slovene ombudsman office, UNHCR, and NGOs.Past activities were focused on the improvement of reception conditions and procedures: reception capacities, quality and accommodation standards, expanded lifespan of facilities, easier access to information, participation of applicants in IP procedures, linguistic assistance, psychological care, training of staff on the basis of EASO training curriculum, legal assistance, improvement of decision-making procedures in terms of quality and reducing of errors, procedural guarantees, better wellbeing of applicants, and investments in reception capacities. Activities were financed with substantial support from the European Refugee fund(hereinafter ERF) and contributed to significant improvements in terms of length of the procedures for granting IP. Average procedure at the first instance lasted 99 days in 2012 and 2013, and an average procedure from the date of the application until final decision lasted 148 days in 2012 and 2013 (the numbers in 2011 were 130 and 156 days respectively). In Slovenia, 2nd and 3rd instance IP procedures are judicial procedures, therefore reliable official data/statistics aredifficult to monitor. In parallel, continuous improvement of IP standards in national legislation took place (e.g. introduction of pocket allowance for applicants for IP and legal representation for unaccompanied minors).
Current reception capacities for asylum seekers are sufficient (the Asylum home can accommodate 203 persons); there are also two integration houses in Ljubljana and Maribor for persons granted IP. Further investment in the effective functioning of existing systems for regular evaluation of the asylum procedures is needed, along with possible improvements of the quality and speed of the asylum decision-making, quality monitoring, and improvement of reception capacities (e.g. expansion of recreational facilities). Regularevaluation is required for a better understanding and improvement of the existing asylum system, also by using relevant mechanisms developed by EASO.Further exploration of alternatives to detention is needed.Currently, asylum seekers can be detained in detention facilities operated by the MoI, i.e.the Aliens centre(where asylum seekers are detained separately from other TCN) and on the area ofAsylum home. For the years 2011, 2012 and 2013, the number of detained asylum seekers in the Aliens centre was 34, 43, and 49 respectively, whilst the number of those detained in the Asylum home was 3, 14 and 14 respectively. More emphasis in the future should be pot on support to vulnerable persons, public awareness raising, and improvement of contingency planning.
INTEGRATION: Immigration policy in Slovenia is still in its early stage of development (only 5,3% of the total population areTCN). On 31 December 2013, 103.097 TCN had a valid residence permit or a certificate of residence registration. The most common purposes of their stay arework (21.769) and family reunification (13.658). Top four countries of origin are Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia (data until 1 July 2013 when Croatia entered the EU), Macedonia, and Serbia, all former Yugoslav republics.
Slovenia has been actively implementing the integration programmes for TCN since 2008. Before, specific integration measures were designed only for beneficiaries of IP. Most of the actions have been financed with the assistance from the European fund for the integration of TCNand ERF.
Since 2012, programmes on Slovenian language learning and knowledge on Slovenian history, culture and constitutional order have been taking place. Although 64 % of participants agreed that such knowledge is an important factor influencing their life in Slovenia, the level of participation was low. For this reason Slovenia prepared an integrated programme combining both Slovenian language courses andinformation on the Slovenian society. The current programme titled "Initial integration of TCN" is free of charge and is performed as a 180, 120 and 60 hour course at22 locations inSlovenia; the programme includes a free Slovenian language test. 2.022 TCN attended the programme, 589 participated in the Slovenian language examination and 407 have passed. The MoIalsoprovides information to aliens prior to their arrival in Slovenia and information on integration into the Slovenian society though the website in six languages (the page recorded 50.000 visitors in 2013). Furthermore, brochures and leaflets on entry, stay and integration possibilities are available in different languages at diplomatic and consular missions in most common countries of origin (providing TCN with information before entering Slovenia), at administrative units, and at the info-point for aliens at the Slovenian Employment service.
In 2012,Sloveniainitiated several integration assistance programmes for specific target groups of TCN, e.g. information programmes for parents of primary school children with predominantly immigrant population, programmes for the promotion of social inclusion of women and young people, and programme for active participation of TCN through their employers aimed at facilitating employers' participation in the integration process.
Integration assistance for persons under IP is provided individually for the first three years after obtaining the status via personal integration plans (32 have been prepared in 2013). Plans encompass areas such as education, employment, recognition of education, accommodation, Slovenian language courses, knowledge of the Slovenian culture, history and constitutional order, etc. The Ministry further provides special services such as information on rights and obligations, one-time financial assistance at the relocation from Asylum Centre, accommodation in integration houses (these accommodated 28 persons throughout 2013), and financial compensation for private housing (60 persons received compensation in 2013). As regards healthcare and welfare protection, education and training, the beneficiaries are equal to Slovenian citizens and can exercise their rights on employment in line with the rules on employment and work of aliens. With the assistance from the ERF, the Ministry also provided assistance to persons under IP in terms of arranging their life situations, psycho-social assistance, study assistance, education for improving employment opportunities, etc.
Analysis of integration measures from January 2014 showed that initial integration assistance programmes are in line with objectives. On average, participants are young and well educated TCN, which has to be taken into account when planning further integration programmes (e.g. more information could be disseminated online). As target groups are heterogeneous programmes need to be adapted to various target groups and geographically dispersed. In order to achieve maximum efficiency of programmes and participation of TCN and the society, diversity needs to be considered already when designing specific activities.
Integration measures are accompanied by close cooperation of the MoI with a wide range of partners. In 2013, the Ministry cooperated with (besides UNHCR and IOM) 21 different organisations and institutions active in the field of integration. Since 2008, the Aliens Integration Council has been operational. It is composed of representatives fromvarious ministries, associations and non-governmental organisations and delivers opinions, recommendations and legislative proposals,monitors the implementation of integration measures, analyses the situation,and reports to the Government.
Overall, average annual resources from the national budget for the entire policy area of migration (i.e. asylum and integration policy under the jurisdiction of the MoI, as well as health, education,employment, and other social contributions) amounted to 45 million EUR (average amount based on 2011-2013 data).
RETURN: Illegal migration is subject to various 'push' and 'pull' factors resulting in constant changes in terms of intensity, structure and numbers. Predicting future trends is thus speculative and risky. Nevertheless, we assume that situation in the area of migration(in terms of numbers) in Slovenia will not change significantlybetween 2014 and 2020. In 2013, 331 out of a total 425 TCN residents have been effectively removed from the Aliens centre. It is important to mention that the Aliens centre hosts those TCN who have been issued a return decision and most of them wish to return to their homeland as soon as possible. Most of the removals (203) were based on bilateral agreements with third countries and EU MS. The most frequent reason accommodating TCN in the Aliens centre is the risk of absconding. This is due to the fact that Slovenia represents a transit rather than destination country for most of irregular migrants. Aliens not residing in the Aliens centre are issued a voluntary return decision, which is often an ineffective measure for the very same reason.
Detention within the Aliens centre can last up to 12 months. TCN can opt for a voluntary return, either in co-operation with international organizations (IOM) or independently. Slovenia developed a general voluntary return and reintegration program with special emphasis on vulnerable categories of TCN.In 2013, only 3 cases of active resistance to removal have been recorded; in all other cases aliens returned independently without police escort beyond the state border.
On the other hand, alternatives to detention are favoured for those TCN whose identity is known and actively cooperate in the identification procedures. In this respect, Sloveniaunderstands its return policy as fair and affective in relation to both TCN as well as other MS (in cases when detention prevents absconding).
The only detention centre in Slovenia(the Aliens centre) was renovated in 2002 and requires partial adaptation in order to provide adequate living conditions. Apart fromthe most burdened department, which is housing men, special attention should be given to vulnerable groups such as women and unaccompanied minors.
A great challenge in return processes is identification of aliens and acquisition of documents required for effective return. This is due to concealment of identity, false representation, and alsounwillingnessof third countries' authorities to identify their own citizens. Missions of most high-risk countries in terms of migration (such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nigeria, Syria, Iraq, etc.) are accredited in other MS, which can be an obstacle in the return process. It is therefore necessary to maintain good working relationswith these representations.
Monitoring of forced return is one of the last measures that was transposed into the Aliens Act butstill needs to be implemented. Practices of other MShave to be studied in order to establish the substance of this measure and choose an appropriatesystem/partner for its implementation.
The Aliens centre already actively cooperates with key partners in all phases of the return procedure: returnees, Social service centre, local health centre, primary school, Jesuit refugee service, IOM and local representatives of all main religions (Catholic, Orthodox and Muslim). In order to understand key issues faced by these stakeholders, further effort should be invested in analysis and evaluation of the return processes.
All future projectswill also be a logical continuation of activities financed under the European Return Fund: support to voluntary return (aimed at sustainable return through the use of information campaigns, daily allowances, reintegration programmes, training, and education), return measures by the Aliens centre (simplified and sustainable forced return), establishment of a forced return monitoring system (respect of basic human rights and freedoms, EU and international standards), provision of free legal assistance and services forTCN accommodated in the Aliens centre, cooperation with consular representatives and immigrationauthorities, permanent operational cooperation with interpreters, training of staff (on international law, human rights and freedoms, intercultural competencies etc.), as well as infrastructure investments (indoor recreational areas, improvements and reconstructions ofthe Aliens centre, etc.).
Average annual resources from the national budget for the entire policy area of return (i.e. expenses related to the operation of the Aliens centre) amounted to 1,9million EUR (average amount based on 2011-2013 data).
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SECTION 3: PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES (ARTICLE 14.5 REGULATION (EC) No 514/2014)
The information in the boxes must be self-contained and cannot refer to information in any attached document or contain hyperlinks.