Position and needs of migrant children and mothers from Russia in Serbia
Position and needs of migrant children and mothers from Russia in Serbia

Author(s): Tanja Pavlov, Vladimir Petronijević
Subject(s): Politics, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Migration Studies, Asylum, Refugees, Migration as Policy-fields
Published by: Grupa 484
Keywords: Migrant integration; Russian immigrants; Children's education; Social inclusion; Access to rights
Summary/Abstract: Serbia has traditionally been a transit country for refugee and migrant children and adults seeking safety and a better life in Europe, traveling along the so-called Balkan route, which is reflected in the small number of asylum seekers in Serbia. However, Serbia is increasingly becoming a destination country for foreign nationals. In 2023, more than 52,000 work permits were issued to foreigners, representing a nearly 70% increase compared to the previous year.1 The largest immigrant group in Serbia in 2022 and 2023 were citizens of the Russian Federation—22,351 and 41,644 respectively, of which 45.6% were women in both these years.2 In 2023, 24,068 Russian citizens were granted temporary residence for the first time, making up 53% of all issued permits. 3 Out of the total number of permits issued for the first time to Russian citizens, 10,768 were based on family reunification, which accounts for 78.5% of certificates issued on that basis.4 Precisely because they are the most numerous immigrant group in Serbia and the largest percentage of all immigrants obtain temporary residence based on family reunification, our intention was to determine to what extent they exercise their basic rights and what is the quality of their integration in Serbia, with a focus on women and children.

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