Over the past year, an important step has been made toward the financial inclusion of refugees and asylum seekers in Serbia
Following the recommendations issued by the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality to the banking sector, 18 out of 20 banks responded that they would provide services without discrimination, including opening payment accounts for people who were forced to leave their homes.
At the roundtable discussion “Financial Inclusion of Refugees: Next Steps”, organized by UNHCR together with partners from the financial sector and relevant institutions, it was confirmed that access to basic banking services is a prerequisite for the integration, employment, and economic survival of refugees. A payment account enables them to receive salaries or financial assistance while building new beginnings in Serbia.
Challenges do arise from time to time, but to a lesser extent than in previous years, most often due to banks risk-management procedures or the non-recognition of refugees personal documents.
UNHCR, together with banks, the Association of Serbian Banks, the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration, the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, and other stakeholders, will continue working to ensure that refugees can independently open bank accounts and gain better access to credit, savings, and other financial products, including support for entrepreneurship.
This activity is part of the project “European Union Support to Migration Management in Serbia: Promoting the Integration of Refugees and Migrants.” The project is financially supported by the EU and implemented by UNHCR Serbia in partnership with IOM Serbia and the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration of the Republic of Serbia.