Strengthening Migration Management, Asylum and Return processes in the Western Balkans

The project “Strengthening Migration Management, Asylum and Return Processes in the Western Balkans”, proposed by Hilfswerk International in partnership with Joint Coordination Platform (JCP), responds to the specific need for strengthening the structural reception and protection capacities in WB countries to effectively manage migration, asylum, and return processes in a way that adheres to fundamental rights and EU Acquis. It addresses this need by providing hands-on, practical assistance to the WB authorities in charge of return and migration/asylum management processes, building their capacity for direct ownership of return and asylum program development and implementation, and encouraging regional collaboration. The relevance of the project lies in its alignment with the overall objective of alleviating migration pressure on the EU by fostering regional cooperation and enhancing the efficiency and rights-based nature of the asylum and return processes in the WB countries.

The project contributes to the New Pact on Migration and Asylum currently under discussion and underlines in the priority areas of the operational strategy the need for increasing mutual coherence in implementing the EU policy on return, while it's locations are main transit countries at the so called Eastern Mediterranean migration route, i.e. North Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, selected in such a way to most effectively reach the right target groups. This project  will have particular focus on Bosnia and Herzegovina, as it is the last stop, i.e. transit country before people in migrantions enters the EU.

By implementing the proposed actions, the project aims to create a more effective and humane migration management system that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals involved, ultimately benefiting the target groups in their pursuit of protection, safety, and a better future, while also controlling the influx of illegal migrations and establishing essential practices in the Western Balkans, aligned with the EU standards.

Objectives:

Overall Objective: Strengthen the structural reception and protection capacities in the Western Balkans countries in order to effectively manage migration, asylum and return processes, in full accordance with fundamental rights and the EU acquis, fostering regional cooperation, and alleviating pressure on the EU

Specific Objective I: Providing practical assistance to the security structures of the Western Balkans that oversee the processes of return and migration/asylum management, helping them build capacity for the development andimplementation of return and asylum programs while encouraging regional cooperation.

Specific Objective II: Improving the efficiency and rights based nature of the asylum and return process demonstrates the commitment of the participating countries to managing migration in a humane and organized manner, following international standards (discouragement of illegal migration attempts).

Target groups:

In the context of working with national authorities in the Western Balkans on asylum, return, and migration management, the project aims to benefit the following target groups:

• Third-country nationals with refugee status or subsidiary protection status

These individuals have been granted international protection under Directive 2011/95/EU in conjunction with Directive 2013/32/EU. They have fled their home countries due to fear of persecution or serious harm and have been recognized as needing protection by the host country in the Western Balkans.

• Recognized persons entitled to asylum.

This group comprises third-country nationals who have been granted asylum based on their well-founded fear of persecution in their home country. They are provided with protection and support by the host country in the Western Balkans.

• Third-country nationals enjoying temporary protection

These individuals are granted temporary protection under Directive 2001/55/EC in situations of mass influx or imminent mass influx of displaced persons from third countries who cannot return to their home country due to a serious risk of harm.

• Asylum seekers

This target group includes third-country nationals who have submitted an application for international protection within the meaning of Directive 2011/95/EU in conjunction with Directive 2013/32/EU and are awaiting a final decision on their application. They are seeking refuge in the Western Balkans due to fear of persecution or serious harm in their home countries.