“Seven years ago, I came to Bratislava with two teenagers, hoping for a new beginning," recalls Marija Rakočević about her early days in Slovakia. "Saying goodbye to Serbia, a well-established career in finance and accounting, and family and friends was not easy. Starting over after forty in a new country with a new language brought fear and uncertainty. But today, Bratislava is my home."

"I vividly remember the confusion of those first days. The immigration police, documents, work permits... so many new things. At that moment, I was not sure if I was making the right decision. I was changing not only my life but also the lives of my sons, who were at a sensitive age of adolescence. I was looking for support, which I finally found at the Migration Information Center (MIC).

I remember the first email I sent them. I needed help with family reunification for one of my sons, and MIC provided me with all the necessary information. Thanks to their legal advice, I was able to navigate the tangle of regulations and successfully complete all the formalities.

Today, I can say with a smile that Bratislava is my home. I have an apartment here, a job in finance, friends, and I’ve discovered the beauty of the Slovak mountains. I’ve met wonderful people – from colleagues who are always willing to help me to friends with whom I spend weekends hiking. I am constantly touched by the kindness and willingness of Slovaks. And thanks to MIC, I felt welcome here from day one.

My advice to all migrants? Don’t be shy about asking for help. Find a community. Get involved. Slovakia truly is a country with an open heart.”

This story is part of the campaign by the IOM Migration Information Center Slovakia, "Together We Make Slovakia."

Find more information about the campaign here: INTERNATIONAL MIGRANTS DAY: IOM LAUNCHES NEW CAMPAIGN - International Organization for Migration (IOM) Slovakia

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