The regional offices of the IOM Migration Information Centre (MIC) held a dozen events in eight different cities in Slovakia for over 220 participants, mainly members of Ukrainian communities. Participants in the regions could benefit from important information and free advice on temporary protection, safe work, or social security, but also cultural events or a health promotion day.

Let’s delve into the highlights of these IOM MIC regional events and activities in Slovakia in July 2023.

Martin: Slovak-Ukrainian cultural evening brought people together

On 28 July 2023, the vibrant town of Martin played host to a cultural celebration of Slovak-Ukrainian ties. The “Slovak-Ukrainian Evening” event brought together the rich traditions and flavours of both nations, creating an atmosphere of cultural exchange.

Over 20 attendees were treated to a showcase of dance performances and culinary delights from both Slovakia and Ukraine. The event served as a delightful reminder of the shared heritage and close bonds that connect these two neighbouring countries.

The event was organised by the IOM MIC Banska Bystrica.

Culinary delights during the Slovak-Ukrainian cultural evening in Martin. Photo © International Organization for Migration (IOM) 2023.

Banska Bystrica: The Day of Health and Movement encouraged people to take care of their own health

On 29 July 2023, 17 participants of the Day of Health and Movement, organised by the IOM MIC Banska Bystrica, had a chance to explore different options of healthy movement to help reduce stress.

People came together to perform fun exercises and learn how to take care of themselves. Activities like yoga and sports games showed that being active can be enjoyable and that it is important for everyone to stay fit and feel good.

The Day of Health and Movement brought together people of all ages. Photo © International Organization for Migration (IOM) 2023.

Piestany: The screening of the film “Mavka. The Forest Song” created a captivating atmosphere

On 29 July 2023, the IOM MIC Trnava organised the screening of the Ukrainian movie Mavka. The Forest Song. The film screening for the Ukrainian community in Piestany in the original language attracted more than 52 participants.

The film gave them the feeling that they were back home and thus meant a lot to them.

Before the screening, the IOM MIC raised awareness about its free services provided in the region. As a result, many of the participants have since contacted IOM MIC lawyers for advice.

Screening of the Ukrainian movie Mavka. The Forest Song. Photo © International Organization for Migration (IOM) 2023.

Pruske: Information seminar about temporary protection, safe employment, and social security

On 13 July 2023, over a dozen of participants at this session had an opportunity to ask questions specific to their situations and receive qualified case-by-case legal and social counselling. They also became acquainted with social support opportunities in Slovakia and the free services of the IOM MIC’s newly opened office in Trencin, which organised this event and provided its expertise.

We also took the opportunity to inform participants about safe work and the prevention of human trafficking and held a discussion on what must be included in an employment contract and how the IOM MIC can help in this area.

Vital material aid was also delivered to those people in need.

Providing information to migrant communities empowers them with essential knowledge, helping them to navigate and integrate more effectively into their new environment. Like during this information meeting in Pruske. Photo © International Organization for Migration (IOM) 2023.

Nitra: Information Meeting and "Q&A"

The Office of Labour, Social Affairs and Family (ÚPSVR) organised an information meeting in Nove Zamky, where 25 Ukrainian refugees had the opportunity to interact with ÚPSVaR staff and learn about IOM MIC services. The session covered employment, legal counselling, language courses and cultural aspects of life in Slovakia.

IOM MIC Nitra – Team members talked about social benefits, employment, legal counselling, open Slovak language courses and the cultural and social aspects of life in Slovakia in a community meeting that took place in IPčko Nitra. Photo © International Organization for Migration (IOM) 2023.

Attendees gained valuable insights and built connections with representatives from various organisations, including the Red Cross and the European Network of Employment Services (EURES). This event played a significant role in strengthening trust within the local communities and establishing the regional operation of IOM MIC in Nitra.

The IOM is present in every regional city, actively contributing to promoting migrants’ inclusion in Slovakia

Teams of IOM MIC regional offices successfully organised further sessions with counselling, like those in Pruske or in Nitra, on 19, 26 and 27 July in Zilina, on 25 and 26 July in Presov, on 26 July in Trencin and on 27 July in Liptovsky Mikulas, together with the material aid distribution.

Information seminar of the IOM MIC in Zilina on 19 July 2023. Photo © International Organization for Migration (IOM) 2023.

A Friendly Environment Full of Support for all Community Members

The community events organised by the IOM Migration Information Centre in Slovakia show the power of community engagement, cultural exchange and support. By celebrating diversity, fostering connections and providing essential information and services, these events have left a positive impact on the communities involved. They display the dedication of the IOM and its partners in promoting inclusivity, building trust and empowering individuals to thrive in their temporary homes. These initiatives serve as a testament to the collective effort in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all community members.

IOM MIC's advice and services are free of charge. For more detailed information about MICcurrent events, activities and upcoming seminars, please visit the MIC website and IOM Slovakia social media.

Read more about MIC's activities in regions: 

Fostering Community Connections: A Recap of Community Events in the Regions in June 2023

Watch / Read more about MIC's labour counselling:

Information about legal residence in Slovakia and safe working conditions is crucial for the Ukrainian community 

IOM strengthens cooperation with and supports the Mongolian Community in Slovakia 

People fleeing the war in Ukraine learn the Slovak language to get a better chance for a new life 

Welcoming Slovakia is also about recognizing the importance of other cultural milestones: Independence Day of Ukraine

Safe employment is their first step in the integration into a new country. IOM provides labour counselling to people from Ukraine 

Welcoming Slovakia also means helping Ukrainian refugees looking for a job in Slovakia – at IOM/Profesia workshop 

500 people from Ukraine learn Slovak in IOM language courses 

IOM acts to help Ukrainian citizens navigate the Slovak labour market 

With the support of: 

Migration Information Centre to Support Integration of Migrants in Slovakia (phase X, Individual Project). This project is co-funded by the European Union from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF). Home Affairs Funds.

IOM Migration Information Centre (MIC) activities supporting the labour mobility and integration of migrants under the Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Slovak Republic are funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.

IOM delivered human trafficking prevention activities and material aid in Pruske also with the generous support of the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

IOM delivered human trafficking prevention activities and material aid in Liptovsky Mikulas also with the generous support of the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, and the Government of the Kingdom of Sweden.