According to the UNHCR estimates, the number of refugees and migrants in Serbia remained almost the same during January and amounted to about 4,100 persons of concern, of which about 3,900 were located in state asylum centers and reception centers. Most of the refugees and migrants were accommodated in the asylum center in Krnjaca (643) and reception centers in Obrenovac (727), Adasevci (327) and Presevo (353), while the least stayed in the asylum centers in Tutin and Banja Koviljaca and reception centers in Bosilegrad, Dimitrovgrad and Subotica.
During January, most intentions for seeking asylum, out of 427 in total, were expressed in police stations (389). There were also 30 intentions expressed at the Belgrade airport and 8 in the reception center in Preševo.
During January, among individuals who expressed the intent to seek asylum in Serbia the majority were from Afghanistan (101), Iran (95), Pakistan (94), Syria (46), Iraq (36) and Libya (16). Individuals from Algeria, Cameroon, China, DR Congo, Israel, Kazakhstan, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Palestine, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Tunisia and Turkey also expressed the intent to seek asylum. Out of the total number of asylum seekers, 367 were males and 60 females. The intention to seek asylum was expressed by 127 children, out of which 4 were unaccompanied or separated.
In accordance with article 24 of the Law on Asylum, 11 asylum seekers were registered in January, at which time their identity was determined, while also getting photographed and having their fingerprints taken. Eight asylum applications were submitted, while the Asylum Office conducted nine interviews in the asylum procedure.
In regard to first instance decisions in the asylum procedure, the Asylum Office granted asylum to two citizens of Afghanistan and granted subsidiary protection to one person from Bangladesh. Two applications concerning two citizens of Cuba and Pakistan were refused.