Refugees and asylum seekers presenting their recommendations, Belgrade, October 2024, ©UNHCR/K.Nsengiyumva
Refugees and asylum seekers in Serbia gave recommendations to the business community and other stakeholders at the conference “Private sector engagement – from refugees’ perspective“, regarding possible support for their new beginnings in Serbia. Recommendations relate primarily to employment, training and entrepreneurship, as well as various types of assistance for particularly vulnerable refugees and children.
The conference was organized by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and IKEA Serbia, as part of the private sector network “For Refugees“, which has been providing assistance since last year to help forcibly displaced people integrate into society in Serbia and gain economic empowerement.
As the key need for a dignified life in Serbia, refugees identified private housing for the most vulnerable persons, while their second priority is the opportunity for professional development through trainings and courses. Employment is recognized as the third most important priority, while support for starting a business ranks fourth, and public communications and non-financial donations are fifth.
“I am deeply grateful to the members of the ‘For Refugees’ network and all other business actors who are willing to help forcibly displaced people integrate and live with dignity, recognizing how much their experiences and knowledge can contribute to society. This is a win-win situation – refugees become more self-reliant and more involved in the economic and social life, while companies benefit both for their business development and through contribution to the achievement of sustainable development goals. We invite business leaders to recognize the opportunity, learn more about the needs of this vulnerable community, and be there for the refugees,” said Soufiane Adjali, UNHCR Representative in Serbia.
Soufiane Adjali, UNHCR Representative in Serbia, Belgrade, October 2024, ©UNHCR/K.Nsengiyumva
In their recommendations, refugees praised employers who provide psychological support and flexible working arrangements for especially vulnerable employees, as well as those who pay particular attention to preventing discrimination at the workplace. The most sought-after trainings and courses were identified in the areas of digital literacy, “soft skills,” and learning the Serbian language.
“Refugees bring rich experience and skills, but face obstacles in new environments. This conference explores how the private sector can empower refugees, create jobs, and foster social cohesion. Direct collaboration between refugees, local self-governments, and the private sector is essential. The Commissariat for Refugees and Migration continuously informs refugees about labour needs, and the trainings and workshops we organize in cooperation with international organizations help refugees start new careers. I believe this conference will bring constructive ideas and support to the business community in integrating refugees. Together, we can create a more inclusive society, and supporting refugee employment in the Republic of Serbia not only enriches our workforce but also contributes to building a community based on understanding, solidarity, and joint progress,” said Nataša Stanisavljević, Commissioner for Refugees and Migration of the Republic of Serbia.
One of the refugees’ recommendations is that companies should be familiar with their personal documents in Serbia, which differ from those of citizens, as this would improve or enable access to payment accounts, telephone, internet, and TV services. Considering the increasing number of refugees starting their own businesses, it was also noted that mentoring and educational support for business development would be of great value, as well as programs offering grants or loans, which are currently unavailable to them.
“As a values-based company, we have been welcoming refugees into our workspace and continue to do so. Refugees are talented, motivated, and bring a global perspective that strengthens our business. Partnering with UNHCR to create the ‘ForRefugees’ network has proven that when we all work together, we all benefit. We urge other companies to join this effort—doing so isn’t just the right thing to do, it makes business sense,” said Otto van Daal, People and Culture Manager, IKEA South East Europe.
Regarding recommendations to UNHCR and relevant institutions, refugees and asylum seekers emphasized the importance of comprehensive access to information about available jobs and training, as well as employee rights. They also suggested that relevant institutions should inform companies about refugees’ personal documents and legal status.
The “For Refugees” initiative was launched by UNHCR and IKEA Serbia to create a support network within the business community for those forced to flee their countries, who are rebuilding their lives in Serbia. According to the data available to the UNHCR, slightly more than a thousand people have received asylum, subsidiary protection, or temporary protection in the Republic of Serbia.
Refugees and asylum seekers presenting their recommendations, Belgrade, October 2024, ©UNHCR/K.Nsengiyumva
Panel discussion, Belgrade, October 2024, ©UNHCR/K.Nsengiyumva
"How can each of us support refugees?", Belgrade, October 2024, ©UNHCR/K.Nsengiyumva
The conference "Private sector engagement - from refugees’ perspective", Belgrade, October 2024, ©UNHCR/K.Nsengiyumva
Read more about recommendations here.
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This activity was organized within the project “EU Support to Migration Management: Fostering the Integration of Refugees and Migrants” implemented by UNHCR Serbia in partnership with IOM Serbia and SCRM with support of the European Union. The organizer is solely responsible for content that does not necessarily reflect the official views of the European Union.
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