-Congrulations for your Order of "Polar star". Please share your Order of "Polar star" impressions to our readers.

          -Thank you. An important impression is that it doesn't really belong to me, but to the entire team of International Organization for Migration in Mongolia as well as to other institutions, people - partners - who helped us, worked together with us shoulder to shoulder to accomplish what we did.

          I've got quite some attention lately. I wish this would focus less on me personally and more on the issues, the topics we are working on like the situation of Mongolians abroad, the help they need and the help they can provide to the development of Mongolia, migration including internal migration that had and still has such a huge impact on Mongolia and is an important resource, another instrument that could support the development of this country.

-When did you find out that you were awarded the "Polar Star"?

          -The day before the ceremony. I was informed by colleagues in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with whom we've worked very closed for the past 1.5 years supporting the return of Mongolians stranded abroad because of COVID-19. And I said to my colleague Oyunbileg who also got an Order of “Polar Star”. There were 2 of us from the same organization, same team who got the same order.

-How long have you been living in Mongolia? What is the best thing about living in Mongolia?

          -I've been here for more than 2 years now. I am by myself in Mongolia. My wife and 5 year old daughter are in Ukraine where my wife also works for the United Nations. And the best thing about this country is its people. I love interacting with Mongolians, hearing their stories, how passionate they are about their country, finding out more about traditions and culture and working together. I also love going out of Ulaanbaatar to the countryside be it on a field mission or just in my private time: you've got beautiful sceneries and very very hospitable and kind people.

-Which Mongolians situation is really difficult for you?

          -We had a special questionnaire designed and specific questions put together. We were looking at financial, health, family, psychological situation plus a series of other criteria. Of course during COVID-19 and related restrictions abroad many have lost their jobs, including migrants, including Mongolians and found themself in a difficult situation.

-How was it organized and how did supporting return of Mongolians work?

          -We were working with Mongolian Embassies and IOM missions abroad to identify and assess the Mongolians who found themselves in a difficult situation. Those in a very vulnerable situation would get fly tickets from us and also we covered the quarantine costs upon arrival in Mongolia. There were cases in which we supported people while they were still abroad - just because their situation was critical. In some instances we could also provide support for reintegration into Mongolian society - this applies for those who stayed for a longer time abroad and now were willing to return from countries with which we had special programs that would support this financially. The reintegration package would usually contain some information sessions, and a grant that would have to go for education, medical rehabilitation, opening a business - depending on what the returning migrant wants and whats the specific country program allows.

-Where does money and finances come from?

          -The money came from a special Global COVID-19 Return Fund that IOM established in its Headquarters and which was financially supported by Germany, from UNICEF who helped us to return families with children, from the government of the United Kingdom, from the EU as well as from the governments of some of the countries from which Mongolian migrants were returning.

-What was the most beautiful word you heard from Mongolians return from abroad?

          -Their smiles and happiness when they were talking to their family members telling them that they've arrived to Ulaanbaatar or seeing and knowing them being happy after a long time of separation was very rewarding for us. Once we found out that one of the beneficiaries is going to celebrate her birthday in the day of the flight. We prepared flowers and then colleagues from MFA told us there are actually 3 more people celebrating birthday in the same day, on the same plane. Everyone received flowers and the entire plan be applauded and congratulated them. We were glad to bring some smiles and happiness to these people after a long period of hardship and suffering abroad.

-Was your biggest reward a smile from people you support?

          -And them meeting their family members, sometimes their parents, or their children, spouses.

-In what year was the most beautiful Mongolian Naadam you saw? What did you do for the Naadam?

          -I didn’t see any Naadam until now. I hope I will see it next year.

-Thank you for the interview.

          -I am also very thankful to Mongolians for welcoming me into their country and letting me work here for its development. I am also very thankful to my colleagues at IOM who are making a great team that produces great results as well as our partners in the government, civil society and our donors. Thank you for the interview.