MIXED MIGRATION FLOWS IN EUROPE VIA THE WESTERN BALKANS ROUTE

WHO ARE THEY:

Structure of flows: The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 19 June 2015-October 2015

MALE 150720

FEMALE 38623

MINORS 52304

UNACOMPANYED MINORS 13312

TOTAL 254959

THE FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA-GENDER/AGE STRUCTURE OF FLOWS

Male59%Female

15%

Minors21%

UAMs5%

TOP FIVE NATIONALITIES

NATIONALITY %

SYRIA 62%

AFGANISTAN 22%

IRAQ 8%

PAKISTAN 2%

IRAN 2%

Characteristics of the flows

• Continuous increase in the number of people on the move• Increasing trends of UAMs (evidenced increase in September,

October and November, majority male but also female)• Decreased structural participation of Syrians, increased participation

of Afghanis• Predominant Western Balkans Route

Other characteristics of the flows

• In September 2015, the numbers of asylum applications recorded by EU reached a new record high with about 172 185 applications reported. This represents an increase of 16 % compared to the level recorded in August• Increase of asylum applications by UAMs (Afghans, Syrians and

Eritreans) • Increase in the asylum applications by Syrians (26%), Iraqis (115%),

Afghanis (5%)

DESTINATION COUNTRIES The highest number of first time asylum applicants in the second quarter

of 2015 was registered in:

•Germany (38%) of total applicants in the EU•Hungary ( 15%)•Austria ( 8%), • Italy, France and Sweden (7% each). These 6

Member States together account for more than 80% of all first country applicants in the EU-28

ASYLUM APPLICATIONS DECISIONS• 46 % were positive first instance decisions (i.e. granting a

type of protection status) • Syrians have received by far the highest number of

protection statuses in the EU, including protection based on national legislations 96% rate of recognition, • Eritreans 84%, • Iraqis 87% • Afghanis 70%

Factors determining the future trends

• Crisis in Middle East, North Africa – higher flows from those regions• Border controls and measures• Number of border points to cross before accessing the

Schengen zone/Road infrastructure• Economic situation in the countries of destination (pull factor)

Future trends

“Overall the Western Balkan route will likely remain a viable alternative to the direct sea crossing from Greece or Turkey to Italy, mostly due to the lower costs of facilitation. The increasing pool of would-be migrants fed by the bad security and humanitarian situation in the Middle East will likely fuel both these routes significantly”

Frontex report

THANK YOU!