According to the UNHCR estimates, the number of refugees and migrants in Serbia has fallen during March and amounted to about 3,900 persons of concern, of which about 3,500 were located in state asylum centers and reception centers by the end of the month. Most of the refugees and migrants were accommodated in the asylum center in Krnjaca and reception centers in Obrenovac, Presevo and Adasevci, while the least stayed in the asylum centers in Tutin and Banja Koviljaca and reception centers in Bosilegrad, Dimitrovgrad and Subotica.
During March, most intentions for seeking asylum, out of 710 in total, were expressed in police stations (697). There were also 6 intentions expressed at the Belgrade airport and 5 in the Shelter for foreigners.
During March, among individuals who expressed the intent to seek asylum in Serbia the majority were from Pakistan (252), Afghanistan (157), Iran (113), Iraq (61) and Syria (60). Individuals from Algeria, Albania, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, India, DR Congo, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Palestine, Somalia, Tunisia, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka also expressed the intent to seek asylum. Out of the total number of asylum seekers, 631 were males and 19 females. The intention to seek asylum was expressed by 137 children, out of which 7 were unaccompanied or separated.
In accordance with article 24 of the Law on Asylum, 14 asylum seekers were registered in March, at which time their identity was determined, while also getting photographed and having their fingerprints taken. Thirteen asylum applications were submitted, while the Asylum Office conducted nineteen interviews in the asylum procedure.
In regard to first instance decisions in the asylum procedure, the Asylum Office did not grant asylum or subsidiary protection to any asylum seeker during March. Seven application concerning eight citizens of Iran, Iraq and Pakistan were refused and one application for one citizen of Algeria was rejected.
Photo: World Vision/Jon Warren