The government of Burundi has deplored the conduct of 140 Burundian nationals who traveled to Serbia for work and later disappeared after discarding their passports, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Édouard Bizimana.
Bizimana said Serbian authorities recovered the passports and handed them over to Burundi’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“We deplore the behavior of 140 Burundians who left to work in Serbia and who vanished into thin air before throwing their passports into trash bins,” the minister said in a statement. “These documents, which are the property of the Burundian state, were handed over to the ministry by the Serbian authorities.”
He warned that such actions risk damaging Burundi’s credibility with international partners who cooperate with the country on labor mobility programs.
“This behavior tarnishes the image of Burundi and discourages partners who had nevertheless placed their trust in Burundi,” Bizimana said.
The minister reiterated that the government remains committed to promoting legal migration, protecting migrant workers, strengthening bilateral labor agreements and raising awareness about the risks associated with irregular migration.
Authorities also cautioned citizens against irregular migration networks and fraudulent recruitment schemes that promise jobs abroad but may expose migrants to exploitation, arrest or deportation.
Burundi has signed bilateral labor exchange agreements with several countries — including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Gabon and Jordan — aimed at promoting safe, regular and orderly migration.
According to government figures, 21,642 Burundians are currently employed legally in partner countries, facilitated through 64 recognized recruitment agencies involved in overseas job placement.
Serbia route and attempts to reach Europe
Migration experts say some Burundians traveling to Serbia have used the country as a transit point in hopes of entering the European Union through the Western Balkans route. Serbia has long been a key transit country for migrants attempting to reach Western Europe through neighboring states such as Hungary or Croatia.
In recent years, thousands of Burundians traveled to Serbia under visa-free arrangements that existed at the time, with many seeking to continue their journey toward European Union countries where they could apply for asylum.
According to migration monitoring groups, Burundians have even ranked among the largest groups expressing intention to seek asylum in Serbia in certain years, reflecting the growing use of the Balkan route by migrants heading toward Europe.
Officials in Bujumbura say they are closely monitoring the situation involving the missing nationals in Serbia while continuing to handle requests from citizens seeking employment abroad.
The government says legal and well-regulated migration can contribute to youth employment and national development when conducted through official channels.
