The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has refurbished a shelter on the outskirts of Tbilisi to provide temporary accommodation for Georgian returnees and other vulnerable migrants in need of short-term housing support, with funding from the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) of Switzerland.

The facility, which is property of the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs can accommodate at least 12 individuals, is designed to serve as a dignified and safe space for returnees who lack immediate housing options upon arrival in Georgia.

“Many returnees face challenges securing temporary accommodation upon their return to Georgia, particularly when they do not have family or friends to rely on,” said Lars Johan Lönnback, IOM Georgia’s Chief of Mission. “We are proud to have partnered with Switzerland to support the Georgian government in creating a safe and dignified space that meets the urgent needs of migrants during the initial stages of their reintegration.”

Before it could serve its purpose, the shelter required extensive repair and refurbishment. The project was carried out in two phases: initial rehabilitation of the building structure followed by furnishing and equipping the facility for residential use.

“Switzerland is very proud of the refurbishment of this new shelter here for returnees in partnership with IOM and Georgian authorities. This shelter is not only the roof over their head, but also a new beginning for families and returnees coming to Georgia,” commented Abigaëlle Gotteland-Gobet, Counsellor for Migration for State Secretariat of Migration of Switzerland while visiting the shelter.

With IOM’s support, the shelter has been fully equipped with furniture, kitchen appliances, heating and air-conditioning systems, and essential household items, ensuring a comfortable and functional living environment.

Though primarily intended for Georgian returnees, the shelter may also be accessible to other categories of migrants residing in Georgia, who face temporary housing crises.

The shelter’s refurbishment was carried out under the project “Effective Migration Governance for Sustainable Return and Reintegration of Georgian Citizens”, funded by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) of Switzerland. The initiative forms part of the broader EU-funded project “Border and Migration Management Action for Georgia” (BBMAG).