IOM is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, established in 1951. With 175 member states, a further 8 states holding observer status and offices in over 100 countries, IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants. IOM works to help ensure the orderly and humane management of migration to promote international cooperation on migration issues, to assist in the search for practical solutions to migration problems and to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, including refugees and internally displaced people. The IOM Constitution recognizes the link between migration and economic, social and cultural development, as well as to the right of freedom of movement. IOM works in the four broad areas of migration management: • Migration and development • Facilitating migration • Regulating migration • Forced migration. IOM activities that cut across these areas include the promotion of international migration law, policy debate and guidance, protection of migrants' rights, migration health and the gender dimension of migration. The IOM Mission in Belgrade was established in 1992. The Republic of Serbia became an IOM Member State in November 2001. Serbia has been a destination for refugees and a country of origin of many migrants – countless thousands who sought protection in the European Union (EU), the United States of America and other countries. IOM’s work in Serbia has been characterized by outreach and an extensive Field presence, which has been the foundation of strong and durable partnerships with locally elected governments as well as with national and local non-governmental organizations. We remain committed to helping migrants and the Government to manage the challenges and embrace the opportunities of migration.
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Returning home. For many migrants, it is a chance to start again. Stranded, misled by false promises, or far from home, so far this year 123 migrants were supported to return voluntarily from the Western Balkans. IOM is there every step of the way, including with tailored reintegration support to help rebuild lives. Because every person deserves dignity, on the move, and on the way back. bit.ly/3UfraEu
🟩 Proud to share a new study developed with the expertise of the Serbian Green Building Council (SrbGBC) under “Greening Migrant Centres in Serbia and Mainstreaming Policy Development related to the Migration, Climate Change, Environment, and Energy Nexus,” supported by the IOM Development Fund. 🟩 The study addresses both environmental and broader sustainability challenges faced by high-occupancy migrant centres by proposing strategic, scalable solutions grounded in green building principles. Central to this approach is a tiered framework for refurbishment and new construction, offering three levels of intervention to tailor improvements based on available resources and goals. Beyond reducing environmental impact, the initiative also aims to enhance living conditions and reduce vulnerabilities for people on the move, particularly in the context of climate change. 🟩 The Study’s main goal is to develop a practical guide based on sustainable construction principles that supports both the renovation of existing centres and the design of new facilities. It provides decision-makers and design professionals with long-term, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solutions, along with a comprehensive overview of the technologies and tools required to achieve optimal sustainability. 🟩 The framework focuses on three key pillars: • Environmental sustainability • Social well-being • Financial viability 🟩 Together, we can create more sustainable and welcoming spaces for all! The excerpt of the Study may be found at Enhancing Sustainability and Energy Efficiency in the Reception | IOM Serbia while the full report is available upon request. Savet zelene gradnje Srbije | Serbia GBC
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Another significant step forward in strengthening the return management systems in Western Balkans achieved under the #WBCAP facility! The successful installation of the Electronic Readmission Case Management System #eRCMS in Belgium has been finalized creating a platform for establishing digital connections between Belgium and Albania and Serbia! This marks important milestone in advancing rights-based, secure, and efficient return and readmission cooperation between EU Member States and the Western Balkans. Implemented in close collaboration with the Belgian Immigration Office and In The Pocket and supported by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. IOM Albania I IOM Serbia I IOM Nordics I IOM Belgium and Luxembourg
Consultative process for establishing an independent #BorderMonitoring mechanism has been substantial, all-encompassing, and inclusive, gathering relevant key experts, and promising to deliver durable benefits: more effective #MigrationManagement, improved international cooperation, and alignment with 🇷🇸 European path. At the validation workshop today, the outcome of this complex process to determine the conditions, needs and capacities for establishing an independent mechanism was presented, taking into account the direction of 🇪🇺 policy development. “This event marks an important step in an institutional process that advances accountable, humane and rights-based border governance in Serbia. Over the past year, through a collaborative effort led by IOM and Group 484 and supported by key national stakeholders, we have worked to analyse the legal, institutional, and operational foundations for introducing an independent mechanism that meets both national needs and international standards,” declared IOM Serbia Chief of Mission, Zeynal Hajiyev. Representatives of the IOM, the Ombudsman, Ministry of Interior and Group 484 reiterated the importance of the close cooperation and commitment of institutions, international organizations and civil society in establishing a durable, independent, rights-based border control mechanism 🤝🏻 Moreover, an international expert Massimo Moratti presented the “Preliminary Feasibility Analysis for Establishing an Independent Border Monitoring Mechanism in the Republic of Serbia.” We are continuing the hard work with all the key partners, bearing the ultimate objective in mind: to ensure that no one is invisible at the borders and that human rights are applied in line with international standards 💪🏻 #WBIBM #WBCAP Embassy of Denmark in Belgrade
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Every step Dahir takes is a reminder that recovery is possible with the right support. After surviving a life-altering injury on the move, he learned to walk again, through care, resilience, and determination. Access to health services is not just support; it is a lifeline that restores dignity and opens the path to a safer future. bit.ly/3THM9j8
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Over the last four years, with support from Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the #WBCAP project helped lay the foundation for a more coordinated, rights-based migration management system in the Western Balkans. By introducing digital tools, strengthening cooperation with countries of origin, and enhancing regional dialogue, the project supported Western Balkans efforts to align with EU standards and progress against Chapter 24. It enabled national authorities to streamline return and readmission procedures and build trust and cooperation with partner countries of origin, transit and destination.
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Over the past four years, the #WBIBM project supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark has played a vital role in strengthening border management across the Western Balkans. By advancing digital systems, promoting regional cooperation, and supporting rights-based, gender-sensitive approaches, it has helped align border practices with international and EU standards. This work has not only improved the region’s ability to detect and address cross-border risks, it has also reinforced its commitment to protecting people.
A new phase of improving the migration and asylum systems in Serbia is officially launched with a “Safe Procedures. Rights for All – Strengthening Migration Governance and Asylum Systems in Serbia” initiative 🇷🇸🇨🇭 Aiming to enhance migration policies, legal framework and institutional capacities, and provide targeted support to the most vulnerable among migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, it is a joint effort of the Government of Switzerland, the Ministry of Interior, the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration, IOM, UNHCR and a wide network of civil society organizations and local governments. Zeynal Hajiyev, IOM Chief of Mission in Serbia, highlighted 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.” Read a complete press release at: https://lnkd.in/dXrPQKb6
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Abubakar’s journey was not just about studying abroad, it was about bringing knowledge home to help his community. His story is a powerful reminder that academic and labour mobility can open doors, but only when matched with real support and safeguards. bit.ly/3ZyoDbI
Wrap up of the extensive Danish support to migration management across the Western Balkans, today in 🇷🇸 Results, achievements, milestones celebrated✨ Partnership cherrished 🤝🏻 Thank you Embassy of Denmark in Belgrade