Zagreb – A third group of 24 Syrian refugees landed in Zagreb after leaving Turkey today (10/07) with the support of IOM, the UN Migration Agency, in a continuation of the first ever resettlement programme initiated last year by the Republic of Croatia. 

The new arrivals included five families, 13 adults and 11 children, of which there were 15 males and 9 females.  Four persons have been assisted with special travel and transport arrangements based on their specific needs, including wheelchairs and care for a pregnant passenger.

After leaving the airport, the new arrivals were taken to the Reception Centre for Asylum Seekers in Kutina.

To date, three groups totalling 105 refugees have resettled to Croatia from the 150 planned through the pilot programme.

A total of three selection missions to interview potential beneficiaries under the programme have been carried out in Turkey so far.  

The first and the second group of 40 and 41 Syrian refugees arrived in Croatia on 28 November 2017 and 25-26 January 2018, respectively.

As was done with the two groups of Syrian refugees who were resettled earlier this year, IOM staff will provide Croatian language and Socio-Economic Orientation courses on topics such as living and working in Croatia, building social networks, getting familiarized with the institutions and organizations, and rights and obligations in education, housing, health, social welfare and employment.

Since the start of the programme, a total of 69 beneficiaries above 6 years of age have participated in an 80-hour beginner Croatian language course organized by IOM, and 62 resettled persons took part in an 18-hour Socio-Economic Orientation. IOM also conducted skills and education assessments for 57 individuals.

Since the arrival of both groups, IOM has assisted 75 persons who have been transferred to individual accommodation in Zadar, Slavonski Brod and the Zagreb County.

The protection and humanitarian character of the pilot resettlement project continues to ensure the availability of a much needed safe and legal channel for the most vulnerable refugees, in which IOM coordinates all activities with the Ministry of the Interior and other stakeholders.

For more information please contact IOM Croatia. Igor Aničić, Email: ianicic@iom.int, Tel: +385 64 63 885 or Ivan Piteša, Email: ipitesa@iom.int, Tel: +385 48 16 885