Today, more than ever, migration cannot be perceived as a linear phenomenon that begins with emigration and ends with permanent settlement in a new country. Rather, global mobility is increasingly multi-directional and complex, and changes in dynamics and trends, says The International Organization for Migration (IOM) new Chief of Mission in Serbia, Mr Zeynal Hajiyev, who has a rich experience in the field of migration throughout the world.
When it comes to Europe and the Western Balkans in particular, return, readmission, and reintegration have become policy priorities for migration governance and development strategies, notes our interlocutor. „As the region of the Western Balkans undertakes major reforms to lay foundations for their accession to the EU, the adoption of the EU Action Plan on the Western Balkans has driven important changes in the region. The adoption of the new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum and its implementation at EU’s external borders will also have an important impact on WB partners.“
What are today IOM key priorities in Serbia and the region?
IOM will continue to work closely with its partners in migration management and governance in the country in three key priority areas: Integrated Border Governance, Regular Pathways for Migration and Supporting the Establishment of a Comprehensive Return Management System, and Countering Smuggling and Trafficking. Much of migration nowadays is labour- driven, and we notice this with Egyptian, Indian, Sri Lankan, Cuban, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, and Nepalese migrants coming to the Western Balkans for work opportunities, bringing unique skill sets, thus driving innovation and development of economies.
There is enormous transformative potential in regular labour migration with a strong impact on economic growth
There is enormous, transformative potential in regular labour migration with a strong impact on economic growth. Therefore, skills mobility partnerships, as accelerators for the economies of Serbia and the Western Balkans, are the future. The work ahead of us will also be directed at climate-induced human mobility, for migration is one of the solutions to climate change. Sustainable and innovative solutions must be placed at the forefront of climate action to prevent forced migration caused by climate change and to protect the human rights of those most impacted by changes to their environment.
How does IOM assist migrants to safely return home and settle?
With over four decades of global experience implementing AVRR programs, IOM has assisted over 1.8 million migrants worldwide. Locally, together with the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration of the Republic of Serbia, we have supported over 1,300 migrants returning safely to more than 50 countries of origin. Each of these returns comes with tailored reintegration support, helping migrants find stability, hope, and new beginnings in their home communities. An essential component of this initiative is to support the nationalisation of the AVRR process in the country, ensuring alignment with international best practices.
This ground-breaking nationalisation process is happening by large with the support of the EU and in close partnership with the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration, a mandated national authority to implement and coordinate the AVRR program in Serbia. Together, we have been steadfast in the efforts to support the safe return and reintegration of migrants unable or unwilling to remain in the country since 2016. The other day, we supported two families from Armenia, with several children and a newborn in Serbia, to safely return and celebrate the holidays at home. With optimism and dedication, we look forward to the new year, hoping that the AVRR program will continue to support an even greater number of individuals.
