PROBLEM

2015 witnessed unprecedented number of refugees, asylum seekers and other persons in need of international protection, crossing from war affected countries, primarily Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as other affected countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa into Europe.

As of early March 2016, the western Balkan route closed for onward irregular movement, resulting in fragmented arrivals of migrants, including largely persons in need of international protection, who often use risky and dangerous routes and networks to reach their destination countries.

Europe is facing with the challenge of receiving and assisting the large number of refugees, a worrying climate of xenophobia has taken hold and threatens to affect the traditional values of solidarity and tolerance which are deeply anchored in the region.

Before the introduction of new changes in the law for permanent stay of 72 hours for refugees and migrants (18 June 2015), the border authorities in Macedonia have been struggling to cope with the large numbers of people trying to cross the border. Previous status quo situation was characterized with illegal crossing of refugees and migrants that were transiting through Macedonia where no realistic number of the ones that are passing through the country that could be identified nor determined. Since the enforcement of the new law the registration of the refugees has started. About 4000-5000 people were crossing the border on a daily.