Ujić and Štefanek: Large capacities of centers pose significant security challenges

(Patria) - Drahoslav Štefanek, Special Representative of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe for Migration and Refugees, along with his closest associates, visited the Service for Foreigners' Affairs on 01/29/2021.

The Director of the Service for Foreigners' Affairs, Slobodan Ujić, and Ambassador Štefanek discussed the current situation regarding migration in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as cooperation aimed at resolving the issue of increased migrant influx. The Director of the Service for Foreigners' Affairs informed Ambassador Štefanek about the situation in temporary reception centers where approximately 7,000 migrants are currently accommodated.

The security situation concerning the increased presence of migrants was analyzed, and it was highlighted that the most complex situation is in Sarajevo Canton and Una-Sana Canton. The interlocutors referred to the recent incident in Blažuj, and it was stated that the large capacities of the centers pose significant security challenges.

The assistance and support that the Service for Foreigners' Affairs receives from the European Union in resolving the migrant crisis, as well as the need to strengthen the capacities of the Service for Foreigners' Affairs, were emphasized. In the end, Director Ujić thanked Ambassador Štefanek for the visit and expressed his belief that successful cooperation will continue.