The Funds and Programmes Division (OPM) designated as Responsible Authority for the four Funds under the General Programme Solidarity and Management of Migration Flows 2007 – 2013 issued a call for project proposals under the European Return Fund and the European Fund for the Integration of Third Country Nationals. The call will close at noon, 19th February, 2013.

European Fund for the Integration of Third Country Nationals
The call for project proposals under AP 2012 will focus on the following:
• Priority Axis 1 – Implementation of the events proposed for the purpose of introduction of ‘Common basic principles of policy of integration of immigrants in the EU’ in practice
• Priority Axis 3 – Building capacities within policy, coordination and building intercultural knowledge on various levels and governmental departments
• Priority Axis 4 – Exchange of experience, verified procedures and information in the field of integration among member states

Around €310,000 is being allocated to the call where beneficiaries need to contribute to 25% of eligible expenditure and any ineligible costs.  The IF is targeted at third-country nationals who are residing legally on the territory of a third country and who are complying with specific pre-departure measures and/or conditions set out in national law.

European Return Fund
The call for project proposals under AP 2012 will focus Priority Axis 3 - Support for Specific Innovative (Inter)-national Tools for Return Management

Around € 191,403 is being allocated to the call and beneficiaries need to contribute to 25% of eligible expenditure and any ineligible costs.  The RF is targeted to all third-country nationals who have not received a final negative decision in relation to their request for international protection and all those who enjoy a form of international protection who may choose to make use of voluntary return. As well as all other third-county nationals who do not or no longer fulfil the conditions for entry and/or stay in a Member State.

An information session to assist applicants to compile their proposals will be organised on January 29 and registration is downloadable from www.fpd.gov.mt at fpd.opm@gov.mt  until January 24.