dw.com
Croatia's Stricter Immigration Policies Result in 'Invisible Migration'
Croatia, a key transit country for migrants entering the EU from the Balkans, saw 26,534 irregular border crossings in the first ten months of 2024, mostly from Afghanistan, Syria, Turkey, Russia, and Egypt; however, stricter policies since joining the Schengen Area in January 2023 have made migrant presence less visible, with Germany planning to return 16,000 migrants to Croatia.
- How has Croatia's membership in the Schengen Area affected its role in managing irregular migration along the Balkan route?
- Croatia's geographic location as the first EU member state on the Balkan route makes it a transit point for migrants heading towards Western and Northern Europe. The country's stricter approach, including pushbacks and the discontinuation of 'seven-day permits', has resulted in what is described as 'invisible migration,' with migrants largely avoiding public interaction to evade authorities.
- What are the immediate impacts of Croatia's stricter immigration policies on migrant flows and visibility within the country?
- In the first ten months of 2024, 26,534 irregular border crossings were recorded in Croatia, mostly by citizens of Afghanistan, Syria, Turkey, Russia, and Egypt. Croatia's stricter immigration policies, implemented since joining the Schengen Area in January 2023, have led to a decrease in visible migrant presence compared to neighboring countries.
- What are the long-term implications of Germany's planned migrant returns for Croatia's asylum system and its relationship with other EU members?
- Germany's attempts to return migrants to Croatia under the Dublin III Regulation highlight the challenges of EU-wide migrant relocation. While Croatia has shown more cooperation than Italy in accepting returns, the actual number of returns remains low (401 out of 1,519 planned in 2024), suggesting significant obstacles to implementation and potential future strain on Croatia's resources.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the challenges faced by Croatia in managing migration, portraying the country primarily as a transit point for migrants heading to wealthier European nations. The headline (if there was one) likely focused on the numbers of illegal crossings and the efforts to deter them. The use of terms like "barbarian border regime" and the repeated references to pushbacks shape the narrative towards criticism of Croatia's approach.
Language Bias
The use of terms like "barbarian border regime" and "invisible migration" carries strong negative connotations. While the article presents facts and statistics, the choice of words used to describe Croatia's actions frames them in a negative light. Neutral alternatives might be 'strict border control measures' and 'irregular migration'.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the challenges faced by Croatia in managing migration, particularly the clandestine nature of crossings and pushbacks. However, it omits details about the root causes of migration, the experiences of migrants themselves beyond the statistics and anecdotal evidence, and the broader political and economic factors that contribute to the migrant crisis. The perspectives of international organizations involved in humanitarian aid are largely absent, and the article doesn't explore potential solutions or alternative approaches to managing migration that go beyond border control.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy by contrasting the visible migrant presence in countries like Bosnia and Italy with the 'invisible' migration through Croatia. While acknowledging the existence of migrants in Croatia, the focus on clandestine crossings and pushbacks creates an impression that the issue is primarily one of illegal activity rather than a humanitarian concern.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the negative impact of Croatia's strict border policies on refugees and migrants. Pushbacks, lack of access to asylum procedures, and the overall harsh treatment violate international human rights laws and principles of justice. The "invisible migration" phenomenon further illustrates the lack of transparency and accountability in border management practices.