Concerns are mounting over the treatment and conditions of migrants in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as human rights organizations highlight issues within detention centers and the asylum system. These concerns are amplified by proposals from the UK and EU to establish ‘return hubs’ in the Balkans, potentially exacerbating existing problems. Recent violent incidents at migrant centers further underscore the precarious situation.

Rights of Detained Migrants at Risk

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has voiced significant concerns regarding the rights of detained migrants in Bosnia and Herzegovina. A two-week investigation in April 2025 revealed several critical issues:

  • Prolonged Detention: Delays in processing returns and national security cases lead to extended detentions, some lasting up to 18 months.
  • Limited Legal Access: Despite a mandate for free legal advice, access to lawyers is restricted by detention center staff. Many detainees are unaware of their right to legal aid.
  • Lack of Transparency: The Service for Foreigners’ Affairs often withholds details of charges, especially in national security cases, from detainees and their lawyers.
  • Inadequate Conditions: While officials claim good conditions, reports from legal aid group Vasa Prava BiH suggest otherwise, particularly regarding outdoor access. Mental health counseling is also unavailable.

Flaws in the Asylum System

Bosnia’s asylum system also faces criticism for its inefficiencies and lack of protection:

  • Low Asylum Grant Rate: In 2023, only 4 people were granted refugee status and 63 subsidiary protection, out of 147 applications.
  • Processing Delays: Despite a six-month legal processing period, it often takes six months just for a first interview, and up to 344 days for a decision.
  • Limited Rights for Asylum Seekers: While awaiting decisions, asylum seekers have limited rights and can only legally seek employment nine months after registration.
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Bosnia as a Transit and Return Hub

Bosnia primarily serves as a transit country for migrants heading to the EU. However, it is increasingly becoming a destination for returns:

  • In 2023, over 4,000 third-country nationals were returned to Bosnia from EU member states under readmission agreements.
  • Bosnian authorities transferred 298 people under readmission agreements, mostly to Serbia.
  • The International Organization for Migration and Bosnian authorities assisted in the voluntary return of 477 people to their countries of origin.

HRW warns that proposals from the UK and EU to establish ‘return hubs’ in the Balkans, including Bosnia, could worsen the situation, turning the region into a ‘dumping ground’ for migrants.

Violence at Migrant Centers

Recent incidents highlight the volatile environment within migrant centers:

  • On May 27, 2025, a mass shooting at the Blazuj migrant reception center in Sarajevo injured six men, five of whom were from Afghanistan and one from Pakistan. Two sustained life-threatening injuries.
  • Police are processing several suspects, with independent sources suggesting involvement of an Afghan criminal group known as BWK, which controls migrant smuggling routes and has reportedly embraced more violence.
  • This was the second shooting at the Blazuj camp in less than a week, following a clash between two Afghan gangs on May 21 where 50 bullets were fired.
  • Multiple shooting incidents have occurred in Sarajevo and Bihac migrant centers since the beginning of the month.

Sources

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