UNHCR Welcomes Adoption of Regulation Introducing Biometric Identity Cards for Refugees in Serbia

BELGRADE, 28 August 2026 – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency Representation in the Republic of Serbia, welcomes the adoption by the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia of the Regulation on the content and layout of asylum application forms and identity cards for asylum-seekers, persons granted the right to asylum and persons granted temporary protection.

The Regulation, published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia on 19 August 2026, will enter into force on 1 October 2026 and provides for the issuance of biometric identity cards to persons granted refugee status and subsidiary protection.

UNHCR commends the Ministry of Interior for this important step forward, which is essential for improved access to rights and services of persons granted international protection in Serbia and fulfils Serbia’s pledge made at the Global Refugee Forum in 2023.

“Reliable and widely recognised identity documents are essential for refugees to exercise their rights and build independent lives. We thank the Ministry of Interior for advancing this important reform and for its continued commitment to strengthening Serbia’s asylum system and access to rights of people in need of international protection,” said Soufiane Adjali, UNHCR Representative in Serbia.

In cooperation with the Ministry of Interior and with the support of the Swiss Government, UNHCR continues to engage in efforts aimed at supporting the future issuance of biometric identity documents.

UNHCR stands ready to further support efforts aimed at introducing higher quality identity documents for asylum seekers and persons under temporary protection, in line with international standards and good practices. Such a measure would further strengthen their protection, reduce the risk of discrimination and exclusion, and facilitate access to essential services during the asylum procedure, as per the Law on Asylum and Temporary Protection.

UNHCR looks forward to continuing its close cooperation with the Ministry of Interior and other partners in supporting Serbia's efforts to build a fair, efficient, and inclusive asylum system that provides protection and solutions for those forced to flee conflict or persecution.

For more information, please contact:
UNHCR Representation in Serbia
[email protected]