On the occasion of “International Migrants Day” on 18 December, PRONIA honours Greek migrants and recognises their struggles and dreams to build a solid future for themselves and their families.

The aim of the International Migrants Day is to highlight the contribution of migrants to society and the difficulties and challenges they face on a daily basis.

People migrate to other countries for a variety of reasons: some migrate on the hopes of building a better future, others are forced due to political reasons, some because of the effects of climate change and others to find safety.

Whatever the driving force for migration, migrants have a human right to equal treatment and acknowledgment of their contribution in their new home.

They can be marginalised as a group of newcomers, they are vulnerable to employment exploitation, and often have limited access to health and wellbeing services and information. PRONIA was founded 50 years ago with the aim of offering vital services responding to the needs of the first wave of vulnerable Greek immigrants.

Services are offered to this day catering both for those older generation migrants and the recently arrived. They include information on immigration matters, intervention in case of crisis, referrals on matters of immigration law, educational seminars, settlement support services and assistance with health, social security, accommodation and employment.

Victoria is one of the states with the largest influx of migrants. According to the 2021 Census data, 30 per cent of Victorians were born overseas and 49.1 per cent of Victorians were either born overseas or have a parent who was born overseas.

Beyond the designated by the United Nations “International Migrants Day” on 18 December, every day offers an opportunity to recognise the contributions migrants have made and continue to make to Australia and acknowledge the challenges faced by migrants around the world.

For more information about PRONIA’s migration assistance program, contact PRONIA at (03) 9388 9998 or email: info@pronia.com.au.