Effects of Public Policy Measures on Combating Migration Challenges in Serbia

Jakovljević Aleksandar (Project Assistant, United Nations Development Programme, Belgrade, Serbia), aleksandar.jakovljevic@undp.org

The Global Competitiveness Report 2020 ranks Serbia among the countries worst affected by the brain-drain issue globally. It is estimated that approximately 30 to 50 thousand people migrate each year. The research examines the effects of the adopted policy measure and analyses future measures planned for Serbia. The author focuses on the elimination of push factors, reforming sectors of society that are stimulating outward migration and “pull measures”, attracting both the diaspora and foreign citizens to reside in Serbia. The author justifies the initial hypothesis that the issue of circular migration requires a comprehensive approach. Reducing the brain drain problem and fostering repatriation require the simultaneous introduction of public policy proposals that target all key pain points and provide effective results in attracting talented people and supporting the long-term development of Serbia.

Keywords: Circular migration, Serbia, foreign policy, graduates, public policy, diaspor