MINSK, 20 January (BelTA) – An optimal decision has been made with regard to quotas on granting refugee status in Belarus in 2017, BelTA learned from Belarusian Interior Minister Igor Shunevich on 20 January.
According to the source, the Interior Ministry's decision takes into account practical and humanitarian points of view. “We've managed to come up with an optimal option,” said Igor Shunevich.
Belarus has certain commitments to honor as far as the provision of shelter is concerned. Quotas for 2017 have been reduced due to objective reasons. “At present we don't have an urgent need to welcome a larger number of refugees,” said the Interior Minister. Apart from that, the current conditions in Belarus cannot accommodate a larger number of refugees and those, who seek protection and shelter in Belarus.
Igor Shunevich also spoke about the implementation of the international technical aid project, which provides for helping Belarus deal with the increasing number of illegal migrants. In line with the project the European Union can allocate €7 million to Belarus, including for setting up a center for the temporary accommodation of illegal migrants. The official made it clear that the sides are just considering the project. “The project is primarily designed to enable civilized conditions for the accommodation of the illegal migrants, who have been detected in our territory,” explained Igor Shunevich. If the project is implemented, Belarus will get the infrastructure the country needs to accommodate illegal migrants before they are extradited.
