A meeting on the topic "Evidence-Based Migration Management in the Western Balkans" was organized at the premises of the Service for Foreigners' Affairs which brought together key experts to discuss challenges, and trends in the field of migration in the region.
The meeting was attended by Žarko Laketa, Director of the Service for Foreigners' Affairs of BiH, with his associates, Dragan Samolovac, the Directorate of Border Police of the Republic of Serbia, Siniša Hrgić, Assistant of the Directorate of Border Police of the Republic Serbia, Ognjen Zekić, Assistant Minister for Immigration at the Ministry of Security ,James Hamilton Harding, Deputy Ambassador of the United Kingdom to BiH, and Donatella Bradić, Senior Program Coordinator for the Western Balkans from the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The meeting discussed key factors and trends in migration management, analyses of migration flows
and forecasts of migrant movements in the Western Balkans. Participants had the opportunity to share experiences, discuss the challenges they face, and highlight demands for even closer cooperation within the framework of evidence-based migration
Director of the Service for Foreigners' Affairs Žarko Laketa, stressed the importance of cooperation with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and neighboring countries, noting that this is a key component in the ongoing efforts for efficient migration management. He also expressed satisfaction that the Service for Foreigners’ Affairs had the opportunity to host representatives of the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration of the Republic of Serbia, Directorate of Border Police, IOM, the BiH Ministry of Security, and the Embassy of the United Kingdom of BiH.
Upon the meeting, the delegation visited the Temporary Reception Centers ‘ Blažuj’ and ‘ Ušivak’, where they were introduced to the functioning of the camp, and the current conditions for the stay of migrants.
This visit represents a significant step towards strengthening regional cooperation, and improving the migration and border management system through the exchange of knowledge and experience.
