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Key findings

Overall, the number of illegal border-crossings by non-regional[1] migrants at the green borders rose 39 % compared with Q2 2018.

Iranians were the top detected non-regional migrants crossing the borders illegally, largely after misusing their visa-free status in Serbia. They projected pressure north and south.

The reintroduction of visa requirements for Iranians in Serbia will likely decrease migratory pressure exerted by these nationals in the Western Balkans.

Indian nationals (also visa-free in Serbia) appeared to increasingly use the same modus operandi as Iranians.

The Serbia-centred route remained attractive, as migrants continued trying to enter the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and move towards Serbia.

After reaching Serbia, migrants still preferred moving towards Bosnia and Herzegovina–Croatia and further north; the pressure at Hungary’s border with Serbia also showed some signs of increase.

The migratory pressure along the route stemming from the Greek–Albanian border section continued at relatively stable levels compared to Q2; a slight increase in movements between Albania and Kosovo* was also observed.

Migrants travelling both via the Serbia-centred route and along the route stemming from the Greek-Albanian border continued to accumulate on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s territory and project pressure further north towards Slovenia.

The irregular flow of citizens of Western Balkan countries slightly decreased and remained largely contained at the southern common borders with Greece.