Skopje, 22 October 2025 (MIA) – North Macedonia, together with all Western Balkan countries, is part of Europe and its policies, it’s not a land beyond its borders. To than end, our country has been neither considering nor supporting ideas on the opening of return camps for rejected asylum seekers, said Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Zoran Dimitrovski, who is taking part in the Vienna Migration Conference, organized by the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). 

As part of the conference “Western Balkans – Regional Perspectives for Migration and Partnerships”, Deputy Minister Dimitrovski had a conversation with ICMDP General Director Michael Spindelegger dedicated to the challenges and opportunities of the changing migration picture in the region, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.

“During the conversation, it was noted the Wester Balkans is in a unique turning point in migration management being a region that is both a place of origin, a transit zone and a final destination for migrants. This dynamic context is opening fresh challenges as well as opportunities for economic development, especially amid increasing demand for workforce and lack of workers in key sectors,” said the press release. 

Our country, said Dimitrovski, has been adjusting to the new reality by developing policies on managing legal migration that correspond to the country’s demographics and economic needs. Also, the importance of building partnerships with the countries of origin was stressed for developing sustainable models of work mobility, improving return systems and reducing irregular migration.

It was noted during the conversation that these processes are in line with the European initiatives, including the Migration and Asylum Pact and the EU’s Western Balkans Action Plan, which emphasise the importance of cooperation with the countries of origin with respect to mobility, skills development and migrant return management.

The tenth Vienna Migration Conference brought together over 250 decision makers, government representatives, migration experts, representatives of international organizations, academic community and the civil society that make efforts to connect migration courses with the most adequate strategic policies and solutions.

On the sidelines of the event, Deputy Minister Dimitrovski held meetings and talks with renowned government officials and ministers taking part in the conference.

Photo: Ministry of of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade