The project addresses the problem of social exclusion of migrants living in the Silesian Voivodeship. It is estimated that around 210,000-250,000 foreigners lived in the region before the Russian invasion of Ukraine. After the invasion, these numbers increased significantly. Unfortunately, the aid offer is quite limited and does not meet the needs of such a large community. There are barriers to integration and access to the labour market, such as, for example, lack of knowledge of the Polish law and administrative procedures, lack of language skills, lack of knowledge on how to obtain support, cultural differences. The majority of employers are interested in employing foreigners on a long-term basis, but more than 80% of them are discouraged by complicated procedures.

The grantee set up a Silesian Multicultural Center in 8 cities in the Silesian Voivodeship (Katowice, Gliwice, Zawiercie, Ruda Śląska, Zabrze, Piekary Śląskie, Tarnowskie Góry, Toszek). The Center offered migrants various types of support – legal, psychological, consultation and translation. A toll-free hotline was also set up to provide intervention assistance in difficult and urgent situations. The project provided 9 trainings on labour rights to 123 migrants and 40 volunteers. 34 persons with migration experience were trained on the rights of foreigners and the specifics of working with this group. Subsequently, these persons became involved in outreach and information activities for migrants, especially for those arriving in Poland after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

A total of 576 foreigners, mainly from Ukraine, benefited from the support. They received concrete, individual support in legalising their stay, adaptation, job search, translations, etc. They were also strengthened in the area of knowledge of their rights in the labour market, which had a major positive impact on their economic situation and well-being. Their self-confidence, self-esteem and sense of influence over their lives were raised. Dozens of people also developed their competences related to working with people with migration experience and became involved in activities for their own community.