The Process of Readmission and Social integration of Returnees in Serbia

Readmission policy serves as an instrument to return migrants and asylum seekers from European countries to countries of origin, in this particular case, Serbia.

This research focuses on the problem of Roma migration from Serbia to EU countries and their deportation back to Serbia after the Readmission Agreement (YEAR). After the signing of the readmission agreements and the first returnees arrived, a systematic reintegration of the Roma population in Serbia began, along with the recognition of Roma as a national minority.

The Roma communities in Serbia are concerned by the issues of chronic poverty, high unemployment, stereotypes and discrimination, lower level of education and the alarmingly low levels of health care for the Roma. This situation indicates the need to improve their social status at both the regional and the national levels.

This paper presents a descriptive analysis of the conditions of readmission and subsequent integration of Roma returnees in Serbia, covering the period up to October 2011.

The research combines different methodologies of data gathering and analysis and includes statistical data and official records, opinion polling and a sample of 120 Roma returning to Serbia. Meetings and interviews were conducted with representatives of the Roma population, local institutions and NGOs.