More Migrants Seek Asylum in Macedonia

While many Macedonians seek a better life in Western Europe, the number of people seeking refuge in Macedonia is also growing.

Sinisa Jakov Marusic

Skopje

This year alone, 94 foreign nationals have sought political asylum in Macedonia, Macedonian police say.

Last year this number was 60.

Most, 46, came from Afghanistan, where Macedonia has troops stationed as part of the NATO ISAF force. Another 22 were Palestinian.

Others came from Sudan, Somalia, Iraq and Algeria. Three were from neighbouring Kosovo.

Macedonia was not these people’s first choice as a country of asylum, police said.

"Most come to Macedonia after being rejected by another Western European country," Ivo Kotevski told Balkan Insight.

"They see Macedonia as a temporary refuge before they attempt to enter the EU again."

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