5,010 persons arrived irregularly in October, a 27% increase compared to the previous month (3,953) and a 312% increase compared to October 2021 (1,217). It is the highest monthly figure recorded since October 2018. Top three declared countries of origin are Afghanistan (45%), Burundi (32%), and Cuba (4%).

The Service for Foreigners’ Affairs (SFA) issued an “Attestation of Expressed Intent to Seek Asylum” (AISA) to 97% of them (4,854 persons).

Out of 4 scheduled (excluding postponed events), 3 asylum claims were registered with the Sector for Asylum (involving 2 Afghani and 1 person from Syria).

Out of 5 scheduled, 4 Refugee Status Determination (RSD) interviews were conducted.

10 decisions* (7 cases) were issued, all of them granting subsidiary protection. 28 asylum applications were otherwise closed (23 cases, including one unaccompanied child (UASC)).

2,942 asylum-seekers and migrants were accommodated in reception facilities at the end of October, while between 300-900 persons are estimated to be squatting outside of formal accommodation, mostly in Una-Sana Canton.

Average waiting time*** for the 3 cases registered in October was 33 days.

POPULATION OF CONCERN AT THE END OF OCTOBER

12 people awaiting registration of their asylum claims with the assistance of UNHCR / Vaša Prava BiH

79 asylum-seekers pending processing and decision

146 persons under international protection, of which 45 under refugee status and 101 under subsidiary protection

31 stateless persons and persons at risk of statelessness

Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees