BiH Institutions Serve BiH Citizens

Institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, like the Service for Foreigners Affairs that operate in line with the highest international standards, have repeatedly demonstrated that they can provide indispensible services, efficiently and transparently, to all the citizens of this country, Principal Deputy High Representative Raffi Gregorian said today.

PDHR Gregorian was speaking during a visit to the Service for Foreigners Affairs (SFA) Centre for Detention of Illegal Migrants in East Sarajevo.

The SFA was established in October 2006 as a unit of the BiH Ministry of Security in accordance with the Law on Service for Foreigners Affairs. It is responsible for registering and regulating the residence status of foreign residents, as well as preventing and fighting illegal migration.

One of the biggest benefits of the European Union is freedom to travel, work, and live anywhere in the EU. At the same time, citizens have a right to expect an environment that is safe and secure, and protected from international crime and terrorism. The SFA is a key component in meeting EU migration rules – facilitating investment and job creation, and also combating terrorism.

During his visit, PDHR Gregorian was briefed on the work of the SFA by Director Dragan Mektic.

“It is impossible to overstate the role played by the men and women of the SFA in protecting the interests of all the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” PDHR Gregorian said. “The SFA has made a major contribution to fulfilling the requirements of the Visa Liberalisation Road Map, and every day it helps bring jobs to this country by regulating in an efficient and timely way the residence of foreign investors.”

PDHR Gregorian also stressed that the SFA “has worked effectively with State and Entity Ministries in the fight against organized crime and terrorism,” and he said it offered “an example of how state agencies can really serve the interests of BiH citizens when these institutions are properly funded, properly staffed and properly led.”

“I want to pay tribute to Director Mektic and all his staff for the work they are doing,” PDHR Gregorian said. “They have played a direct role in bringing investment and employment to Bosnia and Herzegovina and in combating crime and terrorism. They are entitled to the full and unequivocal support of all political parties and they deserve the appreciation of citizens throughout this country.”