New steps toward a fair and inclusive migration and asylum system in Serbia

Serbia has entered a new phase of improving its migration and asylum systems with the official launch of the project “Safe Procedures. Rights for All – Strengthening Migration Governance and Asylum Systems in Serbia.” The project aims to enhance migration policies, legal framework and institutional capacities, and provide targeted support to the most vulnerable among migrants, refugees and asylum seekers.

The project is a joint effort of the Government of Switzerland, the Ministry of Interior, the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration, UNHCR, IOM, and a wide network of civil society organizations and local governments. The focus is on establishing a fair, efficient, and rights-based system that responds to the complex realities of mixed migration flows, while ensuring dignity and safety for people on the move.

The event was opened by H.E. Anne Lugon-Moulin, Ambassador of Switzerland to Serbia, who emphasized Switzerland’s long-standing migration partnership with Serbia and the strategic objectives of the new project: "Switzerland’s migration partnership with Serbia, now in its 16th year, remains a key pillar of our bilateral cooperation. With this new project, we continue to support institutional strengthening, fair and efficient asylum procedures, and alignment with international standards. A credible asylum system is not just a technical requirement, but a humanitarian obligation. This engagement reflects Switzerland’s commitment to supporting Serbia in managing migration in a way that protects human dignity, strengthens public institutions, and contributes to long-term stability."

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Interior, police colonel Željko Brkić, Assistant Director of Police and Head of the Cabinet of the Director of Police, emphasized the importance of strategic cooperation and further development of Serbia’s asylum and migration system:

"The Republic of Serbia has shown, time and again, that it is capable of responding to complex migration challenges while respecting the fundamental principles of the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol. Decades of experience, particularly during the 2015 migration crisis, have shaped a national system that places urgent humanitarian support, protection at borders, and the safety of people in need at its core.

This new project represents a continuation and deepening of that commitment. It supports our efforts to build a fair, efficient and rights-based asylum system in which every applicant is treated with dignity and those granted protection are empowered to contribute meaningfully to society. Such a system is not only a legal obligation but a reflection of our values as a country on the path to EU membership.

The Ministry of Interior remains fully committed to improving legal and operational frameworks in line with European standards. We value the Swiss Confederation’s long-term support and view this partnership as essential for ensuring that our migration and asylum system remains resilient, adaptable and centered on human dignity."

Nataša Stanisavljević, Commissioner for Refugees and Migration, highlighted the importance of local-level capacities in responding to migration: "Thanks to the continuous support of Switzerland, the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration has successfully implemented numerous projects over the past years that have contributed to building Serbia’s institutional capacities in the field of migration. Significant results have been achieved, particularly in the development of local action plans, provision of social support, legal assistance, and integration programs for individuals granted asylum. We remain committed to working with all partners to build an efficient, fair, and humane migration management system, in accordance with national regulations and the highest international standards."

UNHCR Representative in Serbia, Soufiane Adjali, stressed the need for a people-centered approach: "More than 122 million people are now displaced around the world, and displacement has almost doubled in the last decade. The lives of these people, 41% of whom are children, have been overturned by wars and persecution. But no one’s life should be put on hold, nor should any child’s development be disrupted. I want to confirm UNHCR’s readiness to further support the government in protecting the rights of forcibly displaced persons in Serbia, allowing them to access to safety, to feel included into society and to have the opportunity to positively contribute to the Serbian society with their talent, skills and knowledge."

Zeynal Hajiyev, IOM Chief of Mission in Serbia, emphasized the importance of practical and inclusive solutions: "We will work together on creating migration policies that use the potential of migration for development and fostering inclusive society, as well as to standardize immigration procedures that protect the most vulnerable. We need migration pathways and management that contribute to development while protecting lives and rights, as behind every policy and system is a person, a life story, and a right to safety, dignity and opportunity.”

The project follows an integrated approach that includes legal reform, institutional capacity building, improved asylum procedures, and stronger systems for identifying and referring vulnerable groups such as victims of trafficking, unaccompanied children, and at-risk migrants. It also supports local governments in establishing migration councils and action plans, while strengthening the role of civil society and frontline professionals.

One of the key goals is to increase the success of integration for those granted international protection, by improving access to education, employment, and support services. The project is built on years of partner experience and is designed to offer long-term, sustainable solutions, while also contributing to reduced reliance on irregular migration pathways.

By bringing together national institutions, international organizations, local authorities, and civil society, the project lays the foundation for long-term, inclusive, and rights-based responses to migration and asylum in Serbia.

The project also directly supports Serbia’s EU accession process, particularly in relation to Chapter 24 of the EU Acquis, and contributes to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – particularly those related to peace, justice, reduced inequalities, and decent work for all.

About the Project:

Safe Procedures. Rights for All – Strengthening Migration Governance and Asylum Systems in Serbia” is a three-year project aimed at enhancing Serbia’s migration and asylum systems through legal reform, inter-institutional cooperation, and direct support to vulnerable groups. The project is funded by the Government of Switzerland and implemented in partnership with national and local institutions, UNHCR, IOM, and civil society actors.

Its priorities include improving coordination among institutions, strengthening protection for at-risk individuals, and developing safe and regular migration pathways. Through support to legislative processes, institutional capacity building, and the development of local migration policies, the project promotes a fair, inclusive, and sustainable migration system aligned with European and international standards.