prijava
SARAJEVO, March 17 (FENA) - Since the beginning of the year 2.707 migrants have entered BiH, number registered until March 15, which is by over 100 percent compared to the same period in 2018, Service for Foreigners’ Affairs of BiH stated.
At the same time, according to operational indicators of competent BiH and international agencies, there has been an increased daily influx of migrants in Greece, which affects other countries of the region that are currently on the transit route, including BiH.
Commenting on assessments in that area, Director of Service for Foreigners’ Affairs of BiH Slobodan Ujić told FENA they expect increase of influx of illegal migrants in BiH in 2019 by more than 40 percent compared to 2018, when over 24.000 persons entered our country.
Ujić added priority is to better protect the state border, not increase accommodation capacity within shelters.
“Expansion of accommodation capacity is not a solution for BiH. Solution is border protection. Currently there are two sides, one leading through Montenegro and part towards Serbia, especially from Višegrad to Bijeljina, where there is the largest ‘crossing’ of illegal migrants,” said Ujić.
He added that over 98 percent of illegal migrants have no documents and most of them are from Pakistan (35-40 percent) followed by migrants from Iraq, Morocco, Algeria, Afghanistan, Iran, and Bangladesh.
Furthermore, Ujić explained these are mixed migrations and least of these people are refugees and displaced persons from war affected areas, adding that most of the migrants are people who left their countries for economic reasons.
In the context of coordination of overall activities and cooperation regarding migration flow in BiH, Director of the Service for Foreigners’ Affairs emphasized he is happy with cooperation this service has with law enforcement agencies on all levels and support they are receiving from partner international organizations.
(FENA) A. B.
