Montenegro has recorded a significant increase in the number of migrants over the last three years, and it represents a transit zone on the way to the EU member states. Unlike some countries in the region, such as Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the human rights of migrants in Montenegro are widely respected, i.e. there is no torture or inhuman treatment against them. Also, the regulations of both international acts and domestic legislation are respected and applied, suggests the Report on the Treatment of Migrants in Montenegro.
The Report indicates that the material conditions for migrants’ stay in MNE are satisfactory. There are three facilities for them: the Shelter for Foreigners, the Reception Center in Spuž and the Alternative Accommodation Center in Konik neighborhood, Podgorica.
In 2018, the Asylum Directorate received 3,104 requests for the international protection in Montenegro – 2,787 request for men and 317 for women, of which 2,832 requests referred to adults and 272 to juveniles. In 2018, 14 protections were approved, i.e. 10 asylum seekers got the asylum status (five people from Iran, two from Syria, one from Yemen and one from Russia), as well as four subsidiary asylum protection (three for people from Ghana and one for an individual coming from Belarus).
The rights of migrants mean that they should have equal access to the rights of all other citizens of Montenegro, and that they must not be discriminated against other people at any time and on any grounds. Migrants in MNE should enjoy and exercise all the prescribed rights guaranteed by the Constitution and laws.
