Monday, 18.12.2023.
Press release on the occasion of INTERNATIONAL MIGRANTS DAY
Press release on the occasion of
INTERNATIONAL MIGRANTS DAY
18 DECEMBER 2023
Group 484, ASTRA – Anti-trafficking Action
Today, on International Migrants Day, we want to emphasise the importance of respecting the rights of all migrants’ rights and recognising the challenges and risks they face. At the same time, we highlight the significance of taking action to support dignified, regular, and secure migration.
The Republic of Serbia has acknowledged the need and potential of migration to improve the labour market situation by introducing streamlined procedures for the arrival of foreign migrant workers. The number of migrant workers has been increasing each year, and around 80,000 work permits are expected to be issued by the end of 2023. However, fieldwork with this target group and dealing with specific cases of mass or individual labour exploitation of migrant populations in Serbia have convinced us that the number of individuals at risk of various forms of exploitation is much higher.
Simultaneously, Serbia has been dealing with a continuous influx of migrants entering its territory irregularly, often as smuggled migrants through the activities of criminal and organised crime groups. A significant number of migrants reside without a regulated legal status, making them more vulnerable and exposed to various abuses and potential risks of rights violations. Regulating their status will contribute to their safety and the overall safety of society.
Group 484 and ASTRA – Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings believe that it is crucial for all stakeholders, especially relevant state institutions, to recognise the risks and challenges migrants face and to take timely and appropriate measures to address identified challenges adequately. This includes protecting the human rights of migrants and ensuring a safe environment in which they can develop their potential, contributing to the development of the Republic of Serbia, of which they become a part.
