MFA: Europe wonders if Belarus can ‘share refugees’ burden’

Accepting Ukrainian refugees is a priority of the Belarusian migration politics, head of the migration and citizenship department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Alyaksei Byahun said in the programme World Picture on RTR-Belarus on December 5.

European partners are asking if Belarus is ready to share the burden of accepting a certain category of refugees now, the MIA representatives said. However, Belarus is giving preference to Ukrainian refugees.

Belarus is sticking to its international commitments and considers asylum appeals from all refugees, Byahun stressed.

The head of the migration and citizenship department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs also commented on the necessity of accepting Africana and Asian refugees. Belarus tries to assess the possible integration level of refugees, Alyaksei Byahun stressed. He set Ukrainians as an example of easy integration.  

 The current wave of refugees is not reaching Belarus because they can get better social guarantees and material assistance and accommodation in the EU, the official said. Belarus offers ‘a minimal social package’, you have to work and learn the language, you have to integrate into the society. People who studied in Belarus or have some relatives here usually want to migrate.

Belarus accepted 14 Syrian citizens from Lebanon in 2014. They are integrating into the society now, BelaPAN reports.

Photo: AP