On  26 July 2007, thirty-seven newly-recruited staff received certificates on having successfully completed an intensive three week basic training course for security staff at the Centre for Irregular Migrants.

The training was provided in the framework of the EU-funded project “Support to Migration Management Capacities” implemented by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). The training course was held in the Vraca Police Academy and the Centre itself, located in Lukavica.

Mr. Mijo Kresic, BiH Deputy Minister of Security, stated that the training has strengthened the capacities of the Service for Foreigners, which will operate the EU-funded Centre for Irregular Migrants established by IOM, and that the trainers from the Dutch Ministry of Justice had introduced the new staff to European and international best practice.

Mr. Izet Nizam, Deptuy-Director of the Service for Foreigners, congratulated the new recruits on their successful completion of the training course and urged them to maintain the highest professional standards in their work.

Mr. Ferdinand Kopp, Head of Section for Justice and Home Affairs of the Delegation of the European Commission to BiH, congratulated the new staff and stressed that their tasks require understanding of the individuals as well as knowledge on how to react in different situations, as the supervision of irregular migrants must be effective but sensitive. He praised the Ministry of Security and the Service for Foreigners for their understanding and their readiness to take the necessary steps, stating that the EU will continue to support them with necessary training so as to ensure that the country is able to meet European and international standards .

Mrs. Regina Boucault, Head of Mission of IOM, pointed out that the training is only part of the CARDS 2005 support, which has included advisory services, training and equipment. She stated that proper management of migration flows is essential for BiH itself, its neighbouring countries and the EU. The reception centre is necessary to house certain categories, but it must be both lawful and practical.

The distribution of certificates to the newly-trained staff was followed by a short demonstration of the skills acquired to receive and process an irregular migrant, check his/her belongings with a discrete metal-detecting glove and provide him/her with basic hygiene products.