Macedonia allows migrants to transit country
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 19 June 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Macedonia allows migrants to transit country, 19 June 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/55b5f3e9c.html [accessed 21 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
June 19, 2015
Macedonia amended its asylum law on June 18 to allow migrants entering the country illegally to avoid jail if they leave within three days.
The move follows a series of fatal accidents involving migrants traveling through Macedonia.
Macedonia has become a major transit route for thousands of Middle Eastern and African refugees and migrants who cross over from Greece and then continue into Serbia.
At least 25 have been killed by trains since January as they walked on railway tracks. Many others are robbed by criminal gangs.
The new law approved by parliament will come into effect in eight days, and follows pressure from human rights groups.
It allows migrants to apply for temporary asylum at the border or the nearest police station. That will allow them to travel legally through the country for three days.
Interior Minister Mitko Cavkov told lawmakers that the number of migrants has tripled since last year – with 2,000 to 3,000 people trying to enter every day – and criticized neighboring Greece for letting thousands flow clandestinely across the border.
Greece is a major destination for refugees and migrants entering Europe, most of whom cross, in turn, from neighboring Turkey.
Based on reporting by AP and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
