The reasons for migration, issues of racism and xenophobia, and in this context, the responsibilities of North Macedonia

The reasons for migration, issues of racism and xenophobia, and in this context, the responsibilities of North Macedonia

Jasmin Rexhepi
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With my extensive experience working with Legis, an NGO in North Macedonia, I’ve had the privilege of directly engaging with refugees and learning about their challenges, hopes, and the reasons they embark on such difficult journeys. Here, I will address some key questions regarding the causes of migration, the challenges of racism and xenophobia, and North Macedonia’s role in managing refugee flows.

1. Main Reasons for Migration

When we explore why people emigrate, it’s clear that their reasons are often complex and intertwined with a range of personal, political, and environmental factors. From my work with refugees, we’ve seen the most common factors driving migration to include:

• Conflict and Violence: One of the most significant reasons people flee their homes is armed conflict. Wars, political instability, and ethnic persecution force individuals to leave in search of safety. This has been a consistent pattern, from conflicts in the Middle East to Africa, where entire communities are displaced by violence.
• Economic Hardship: Many refugees leave due to poverty and the lack of economic opportunities in their home countries. In some cases, the desire for better jobs, education, and overall living conditions drives families to seek better futures abroad.
• Climate Change: Increasingly, environmental factors like floods, droughts, and extreme weather conditions are becoming key drivers of migration. Climate change is forcing people to flee regions that are no longer habitable, especially in areas like Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South Asia.
• Human Rights Violations: Persecution based on factors like religion, gender, or ethnicity is another major factor that forces people to leave. In many instances, refugees have been denied basic human rights, and migration becomes the only option for survival and freedom.

When we talk about the push factors of migration of the local population towards western Europe, we must highlight some crucial ones: Economic Hardship: Poverty, lack of opportunities, and the search for a better quality of life are major motivators. The desire for better jobs, education, and overall living conditions drives families to seek better futures abroad.

Low quality of education: Many people are aware of the low quality of education in Macedonia, so they decide to leave for their children, to offer them better future trough quality education. We also have many students that never comes back after their studies in western Europe.

Absence of rule of law: Since the big protests from 2015 and 2016 for freedom and justice, our citizens haven’t seen any positive change in this way.

From the data collected through our projects, and from my own experience in the field, it’s clear that these reasons often overlap, creating a compounded sense of urgency for individuals and families. People are not just running from one issue; they’re often fleeing a combination of factors that make staying in their home country untenable.
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2. Racism and Xenophobia

Racism and xenophobia present significant challenges for refugees, not only in their home countries but also in their host countries. Unfortunately, these issues are prevalent in North Macedonia as well, where refugees often face negative stereotypes, discrimination, and social exclusion.

In my work with refugees in North Macedonia, I’ve observed that racism and xenophobia are often rooted in ignorance, fear, and a lack of understanding about the refugee experience, busted by fake news and supported by some rightwing political parties. Refugees are sometimes seen as “the other,” the outsider, and this perception can lead to a host of discriminatory behaviors. Some refugees face verbal abuse, others struggle to find employment or housing, and in some cases, they’re excluded from access to essential services.

The “foreigner” stigma Is particularly strong, and it can impact their integration into local communities. While there are many people in North Macedonia who are genuinely compassionate and willing to help, broader societal perceptions still pose barriers to inclusion. The key issuses are the disinformation and the lack of awareness and education about refugees’ circumstances and the benefits of diversity.

Changing these perceptions requires a concerted effort to promote empathy and understanding. Education and awareness programs, both for the general public and for institutions, are essential to help bridge the gap. We need to highlight the positive contributions refugees make to society, and promote a narrative of solidarity rather than fear.  
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3. Capacities of North Macedonia to Handle Refugee Flows

North Macedonia has long served as a transit point for refugees coming from various countries, especially during times of crisis. While the civic sector, and not the public institutions, has made notable efforts to provide basic services to refugees, it is clear that there are still significant challenges in terms of both institutional and financial capacities.

• Institutional Capacities: While North Macedonia has institutions and policies in place to manage refugee flows, these systems are often overwhelmed. Refugees typically pass through the country in transit, but those who decide to stay require more robust support systems. There needs to be more focus on long-term integration policies that extend beyond temporary shelter or food aid. The government, together with NGOs, should ensure access to healthcare, legal assistance, education, and employment for refugees who choose to settle.
• Financial Capacities: North Macedonia relies heavily on international aid to support refugees, and while this aid is invaluable, it’s not always sufficient. Sustainable, locally-driven funding mechanisms are needed to create a more stable system of support. We also need to encourage greater private sector involvement, as businesses can play a critical role in integrating refugees into the labor market.

Moving forward, North Macedonia needs a more comprehensive approach to refugee support. Housing and reception policies are important, but they cannot be the only focus. The country must implement a broader framework of political and institutional interventions.

• Legal and Social Support: Refugees need clear, accessible pathways to legal status, work permits, and residency. Without these, refugees can find themselves in a state of limbo, unable to contribute to the economy or integrate into society.
• Employment and Education Programs: Creating opportunities for refugees to work and learn is essential. Refugees are often highly motivated and bring with them a wealth of skills and experience that can enrich the local community. Supporting them through training programs, language courses, and job placement services will help refugees become self-sufficient and contribute to the economy.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: As I mentioned earlier, changing public perceptions is crucial. North Macedonia should invest in campaigns that highlight the importance of diversity and the value refugees bring. This can help reduce xenophobia and foster a more inclusive environment.
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Conclusion

In conclusion, migration is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted response. While North Macedonia has made strides in offering assistance to refugees, there is still much to be done. We need stronger institutional support, more sustainable financial resources, and a broader framework for integrating refugees into society. With the right policies and a commitment to empathy and understanding, North Macedonia can become a place of safety and opportunity for those in need.