Parliament Passes Act on Slovenians Abroad
The National Assembly passed the act on Slovenians abroad in a 46-to-12 vote, with MPs from all parties bar the largest opposition party, the Liberal Democrats (LDS), voting in favour of the legislation at the final day of the March session of parliament.
The aim of the legislation is to regulate relations between Slovenia and its minorities and expatriates as well as to strengthen national conscience and national identity.
The MPs also passed a coalition amendment to article 70, which calls on Slovenia to support other forms of return of Slovenian expats and their children apart from repatriation.
The passed changes concern all Slovenians including those who were repatriated and those who do not need financial support, therefore facilitating their reintegration into Slovenian society.
The Council for Slovenians Abroad and the Council for Slovenians in Neighbouring Countries, as envisaged by the act, will function as permanent advisory bodies.
The councils will be composed of representatives of state bodies, institutions, political organisations and civilian society organisations from Slovenia and abroad. Their sessions will be called and headed by the prime minister, who will also appoint their members.
Six representatives of the Slovenian minority in Austria, four from Italy and two from Hungary and Croatia will sit on the Council for Slovenians in Neighbouring Countries.
Meanwhile, four representatives of Slovenians living in European states, three from South America and North America apiece, two from Australia and one from Slovenians residing in other countries around the world will be appointed to the Council for Slovenians Abroad.
In line with the act, Slovenians from countries for which the Foreign Ministry ascertains that they are in a deep crisis will be eligible for immediate repatriation.
Upon returning to Slovenia they will be given free health care and a working permit, as well as be allowed to stay for 15 months in a home for repatriated people and receive financial social aid, also for 15 months.
The act encompasses three different groups of people: Slovenians with Slovenian citizenship; Slovenians without Slovenian citizenship; and those without Slovenian citizenship and without status.
According to some assessments, half a million Slovenians reside outside of the country, with some 60,000 of those holding Slovenian citizenship.
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