According to the UNHCR estimates, the number of refugees and migrants in Serbia remained almost the same during February and amounted to about 4,100 persons of concern, of which about 3,800 were located in state asylum centers and reception centers. Most of the refugees and migrants were accommodated in the asylum center in Krnjaca (577) and reception centers in Obrenovac (717), Presevo (370) and Adasevci (303), while the least stayed in the asylum centers in Tutin and Banja Koviljaca and reception centers in Bosilegrad, Dimitrovgrad and Subotica.
During February, most intentions for seeking asylum, out of 594 in total, were expressed in police stations (568). There were also 17 intentions expressed at the Belgrade airport and 8 in the Shelter for foreigners.
During February, among individuals who expressed the intent to seek asylum in Serbia the majority were from Afghanistan (148), Pakistan (151), Iran (97), Iraq (76), Syria (38) and India (21). Individuals from Algeria, Albania, Bangladesh, Cuba, Kuwait, Libya, Morocco, the Russian Federation, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tunisia, Turkey and Ukraine also expressed the intent to seek asylum. Out of the total number of asylum seekers, 534 were males and 60 females. The intention to seek asylum was expressed by 137 children, out of which 14 were unaccompanied or separated.
In accordance with article 24 of the Law on Asylum, 11 asylum seekers were registered in February, at which time their identity was determined, while also getting photographed and having their fingerprints taken. Fourteen asylum applications were submitted, while the Asylum Office conducted thirteen interviews in the asylum procedure.
In regard to first instance decisions in the asylum procedure, the Asylum Office granted asylum to one citizen of Iran and granted subsidiary protection to one person from Somalia. One application concerning one citizen of Pakistan was refused.
Photo: UNHCR/Igor Pavicevic