Inaugural meeting of the Regional Group of Readmission Specialists
16 October 2023
In an effort to tackle the increasing focus on readmission and return issues, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) gathered regional experts in Belgrade from October 16th to 18th.
The working sessions during the regional meeting covered several key topics, including enhancing regional cooperation in readmission, establishing cooperation with countries of origin of irregular migrants, collaboration with the European Union, and launching a digital system for managing readmission cases (eRCMS) to facilitate digital cooperation between the EU and the Western Balkans. Additionally, there were discussions on capacity-building for institutions involved in readmission and returns. The sessions were moderated by representatives from Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The establishment of the Regional Group of Experts on Readmission is part of the sub-regional WBCAP project, which IOM is implementing with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Denmark.
The meeting in Belgrade marks the initial step in creating a platform for the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and the development of a sustainable and efficient system for managing returns in the Western Balkans.
The project has been in progress since 2021 in response to a significant increase in irregular border crossings in the Western Balkans, amounting to a 136% rise, posing a substantial challenge for the region at that time.
The meeting was inaugurated by Her Excellency Susan Shine, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to Serbia, and was attended by diplomatic representatives from other countries, EU delegates, and other distinguished guests. In addition to the Danish Ambassador, introductory remarks were given by Donatella Bradić, Acting Head of IOM Mission in Serbia, Miroslav Panić, Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, and Žarko Laketa, Director of the Service for Foreigners' Affairs in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The entire event is expected to contribute to the improvement of migration and readmission management systems in the Western Balkans and the development of a sustainable return system while respecting the human rights of migrants in accordance with international standards.
