On 9 October 2024, Montenegro officially became the 23rd partner country to join the European Qualifications Passport for Refugees (EQPR). The initiative is aimed at facilitating the integration of refugees into new societies by providing a streamlined process for the recognition of their qualifications.
Overview of the EQPR Project
The EQPR was established in 2017 in response to the challenges posed by the refugee crisis. It serves as a practical tool to help host countries enhance their ability to integrate refugees while also contributing to long-term crisis management solutions.
The EQPR is based on core principles of fairness, portability, utility, and shared European responsibility. It strives to offer refugees equal opportunities to rebuild their lives, regardless of their background or the difficulties they have encountered.
How the EQPR Works
As a standardized document, the EQPR allows refugees to have their qualifications recognized, even in situations where they lack sufficient documentation. The evaluation process considers evidence of an applicant’s educational background, work experience, and language skills, drawing from both a self-assessment questionnaire and a structured interview.
This approach aligns with Article VII of the Council of Europe/UNESCO Lisbon Recognition Convention, which encourages the recognition of refugees’ qualifications even in cases of incomplete documentation. The EQPR also reduces the need for additional recognition procedures if a refugee moves to another European country.
Recent developments
Between 24 and 27 September 2024, 72 refugees had their qualifications assessed by credential evaluators in Bonn, Germany. The session, organized in cooperation with the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder in the Federal Republic of Germany, included qualifications from 20 different countries.
Experts from six participating EQPR countries—Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, Germany, and Italy—contributed to the evaluation process. The results of these assessments will be communicated to the applicants by the end of October 2024.
Montenegro’s participation in the EQPR project reinforces the country’s commitment to supporting the integration of refugees and facilitating the recognition of their qualifications.
