There are currently just over 3,000 migrants hosted in 17 reception centers across Serbia, according to the Serbian Refugee and Migration Commissariat.

A total of 124,127 migrants were recorded as having stayed in those centers in 2022 with an average stay of 16 days -- the number of days stayed has dropped steadily from 36 in 2020 and 30 in 2021, the commissariat noted.

Afghanistan and Syria top countries of origin

The main countries of origin of migrants recorded last year were Afghanistan with 36.13% of total presences, Syria (29.19%), Pakistan (11.89%), Morocco (7.92%), and India (4.04%).

Last year, 10 migrants were granted refugee status and asylum as a result, while 15 others were granted international protection, the Refugee and Migration Commissariat noted, underscoring that the centers offer lodging, food, clothing, medical assistance, and possibility to attend school for the children of those registered.

EU top donor for migrant management in Serbia

The EU, it noted, is the largest donor for migrant management in Serbia. It is probable that the number of migrants in the country is larger than that reported by the authorities, considering the fact that many refuse to lodge in the reception centers and instead prefer to sleep in makeshift open-air spaces to have greater freedom of movement in their frequent attempts to move forward, using a variety of means, towards western Europe.

Located along the so-called Balkan Route, Serbia was crossed by over a million people fleeing conflict during the 2015-2016 migratory crisis.

Despite restrictions and barriers put up in several countries, the region continues to be crossed by thousands of migrants from central Asia and the Middle East in their journey towards EU nations.