The British Embassy in Baku is seeking project proposals from capable NGOs and other organizations in the area of Managing Migration in Azerbaijan.

The British Embassy has developed close links with the Azerbaijan State Border Service. The UK Government, through the UK Border Agency, has an active joint Memorandum of Understanding with the SBS on the return of failed Afghan Asylum seekers to Afghanistan via Heydar Aliev International Airport. The SBS has been thoroughly co-operative with the implementation of this MOU.

The British Embassy also recognizes the migratory trends that the State Border Service is dealing with in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani territory is located on a crossroad between migrant rich source countries such as Afghanistan, China, Pakistan, Iran, and India and Europe. The destination of many if the United Kingdom. The British Embassy would like to engage with the State Border Service in assisting to understand these issues and tackle them.

Project Aims

The British Embassy is looking for project proposals to cover one, some or all of the following aims:

• Researching the scale of migration flows through Azerbaijani territory – the scale, nationalities involved, the means, social impact on Azerbaijan, ultimate intended destination, their routes. Comment: There is a lack of hard and published evidence. We need to learn more as an important precursor to further engagement on tackling the issues.
• Working with the State Border Service on identifying forged documents and potential illegal migrants – including at airports. Potential for partnership with the UK Regional Airline Liaison Officer based at the British Embassy in Moscow and the UK Border Agency.
• Working with the State Border Service on strengthening the green border through training and technical assistance eg on identifying illegal migrants and documents, provision of detection equipment. (Note:  any equipment must not breach the OSCE embargo on arms sales to Azerbaijan and Armenia – equipment which is identified in the embargo will not be given an export license).
• Identifying the scale of people trafficking from and/or through Azerbaijan – including women to work as child sex workers, and children – and programmes to tackle the problem.
• Co-operation with the SBS and Migration service on strengthening legislative arrangements for tackling illegal migration – if changes are required.
• Working with the State Border Service, Migration Service or the Ministry for Foreign Affairs on strengthening the security of Azerbaijani travel documents and visas including through the introduction of biometric facilities.
• Building stronger links and awareness between the Azerbaijan State Border Service and Migration Service, and the UK and European Union, an improving EU engagement on migration issues in Azerbaijan.
• Understanding and addressing the rate of refugee access to Azerbaijan, and engaging in programmes for their return, care or integration in Azerbaijan.
• Any other issues that may assist in addressing migration issues in Azerbaijan.

Project Funds Available

The British Embassy is looking ideally for multi-year larger projects but would also welcome smaller value projects as well. It is envisaged that funding would come from the Minaging Migration element of the Strategic Programme Fund of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. There is no upper limit but we would not recommend working on projects higher than
AZN 325,000 in value without first checking availability of such funds with the British Embassy, and if the project proposal is likely to be successful.

The British Embassy would also consider bids for “seed money” to enable serious potential project partners to conduct the research needed to draft a project proposals in the areas outlined above. A reasonable amount might be no more than AZN 8,000. Bids would have to be passed to Anar Nagiyev of the British Embassy (anar.nagiyev@fco.gov.uk : Mobile: 050-  790 9655 )

Assistance from the British Government

The UK Border Agency is working closely with the British Embassy on this process. The British Embassy would be willing to provide useful contact points for potential project partners who would like to include UKBA expertise or involvement in their proposals.

The British Embassy would also be willing to meet with potential project partners to set out the goals of this process and to answer specific concerns. The lead officer is Colin Wells, Deputy Head of Mission. An appointment can be set up via Anar Nagiyev, Projects Officer – details above.

Deadline

We would be grateful for initial bids by 30 September 2008. Extensions will be considered favorably for the right ideas.

Bids to be submitted to Anar Nagiyev – who can also provide the forms.

British Embassy
Baku
August 2008