Bangladesh among top 5 countries in Bosnia migration data

Bangladeshis were among the five most frequently detected nationalities involved in irregular border crossings in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the first three months of this year, as the number of people detected rose 76 per cent year-on-year.

According to a report on the Bosnia's migration situation adopted by the Council of Ministers, border police detected 1,193 people crossing or attempting to cross the border irregularly during the January-March period, up from the same period last year.

Egyptians topped the list with 136 people, followed by Afghans with 115, Pakistanis with 113, Bangladeshis with 68 and Turkish nationals with 63.

Data from the Service for Foreigners' Affairs showed that 3,468 migrants were registered in the country during the first quarter, a 66 per cent increase from a year earlier.

The average number of migrants staying at temporary reception centres also rose to around 924 during the period, compared with 581 in the same period last year.

Meanwhile, Bosnia and Herzegovina issued 4,569 temporary residence permits in the first quarter, up 23 per cent year-on-year. Employment was the most common reason for granting the permits.

The Council of Ministers also adopted a report on the implementation of last year's action plan under the country's integrated border management strategy. The plan covers border checks and surveillance, efforts to combat cross-border crime, international protection, the treatment of vulnerable groups, risk analysis and international cooperation.

The council also approved a proposed regulation setting out conditions for purchasing and using specialised official vehicles for the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA). The proposal covers 180 vehicles in four categories, with prices ranging from 35,000 to 250,000 Bosnian marks each.

In addition, the council received an update on the implementation of recommendations made by the Council of Europe's Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) during its fifth evaluation round.

In November 2024, GRECO reported that Bosnia and Herzegovina had fully implemented only two of its 25 recommendations. Fifteen had been partially implemented, while eight had not been implemented.

GRECO is expected to reassess the country's progress in implementing the recommendations in November based on updated information.