This year, service hubs provided services to more than two thousand people, including three hundred and eighty returned migrants.

On 20 November 2024, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Georgia convened the fourth meeting of the Service Hubs Network. At the meeting, the representatives of the Service Hubs reviewed the results of the current year and discussed the possibilities for further development. 

Service Hubs, operating on the principle of one-stop shops, were established through an initiative by the International Organization for Migration in collaboration with local governments. These Service Hubs function as information, consultation, and referral centers for the local population, including returned migrants, by providing regularly updated information, quality consultations, and targeted referrals regarding state and non-state socio-economic services and programs available in Georgia.

Currently Service Hubs are operational in twelve municipalities – Ozurgeti, Chokhatauri, Baghdati, Tskaltubo, Kharagauli, Khoni, Telavi, Akhmeta, Kvareli, Lagodekhi, Batumi and Tbilisi. The Service Hub Network facilitates the exchange of information and sharing of experiences among established centers.

"Returned migrants require proper assistance and referrals to the appropriate state or local structures to effectively utilize relevant programs or services. Employment guidance is among these important services," says Neli Abechkhrishvili, representative of the Telavi Service Hub. "Therefore, we are working to connect businesses operating in the municipality with returned migrants within our capabilities."

Service Hubs offer a variety of services, including reliable information and professional guidance on social issues and counselling on starting and developing economic activities. The establishment of a network of Service Hubs is intended to facilitate regular communication, share best practices, and collaboratively discuss and find solutions to challenges.

"Through the Municipal Service Hub Network, IOM Georgia supports the development of information and advisory services for returning migrants at the local level. Over the next four years, IOM will strengthen the capacities of local governments to contribute to the sustainable reintegration of returnees and foster closer cooperation between the central and local authorities on this issue,"- said Lars Johan Lönnback, Chief of Mission at IOM Georgia.

In 2024, service hubs facilitated the participation of approximately three hundred individuals in various government or donor-funded business support programs. "In our municipality, the main topic of counselling is related to economic activities. This year, the number of returning migrants seeking information and counselling from the Service Hub has increased," stated Nana Melashvili, a representative of the Ozurgeti Service Hub.

The participants discussed the importance of involving municipalities in the reintegration process and the necessity of having data on returned migrants at the local level.

"I am using every opportunity to spread information about Service Hubs, therefore, not only returnees, but also migrants who are still abroad and planning to return, contact me for information. Moreover, I closely cooperate with the reintegration service of the Agency for IDPs, Eco-Migrants and Livelihoods Provision", says Bela Marukashvili, representative of the Service Hub in Akhmeta municipality.

IOM Georgia remains committed to facilitating access to information and services for returning migrants. Over the coming years, one of IOM's priority areas will be the further development of service hubs, including their institutionalization and support for digitalization.