Research on Smuggling Trends and Dynamics in the Western Balkans

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading humanitarian organization that provides protection, livelihoods, and emergency assistance to displaced populations worldwide. Part of DRC, the Mixed Migration Centre (MMC) is a global leader in independent data collection, research, and policy engagement on mixed migration.

MMC needed updated insights into the realities of migrant smuggling and protection in the Western Balkans, to capture recent trends, understand changing risks, and offer recommendations for better responses. They needed a team that could navigate complex migration dynamics, engage migrants and refugees in a trustworthy and non-intrusive way, and uphold strict ethical standards to protect respondents’ identities and well-being.

Nurai led an in-depth study to analyze smuggling trends, migrant journeys, and protection challenges. Our research included:

• Interviews with 12 migrants and refugees to capture real-life experiences

• Discussions with 14 key experts to understand broader trends

• Reviewing reports and data from multiple sources, including humanitarian organizations

• Insights provided by MMC’s 4mi data collection in Türkiye.

Key factors that we sought information for were: volume and transience, routes, demographic profile of arrivals in the Western Balkans, smuggling dynamics, humanitarian response, and asylum in the region. We ensured a balanced and diverse representation of respondents, reflecting gender and nationality diversity. Our findings were compiled into a user-friendly report, equipping the client with actionable insights.

The study delivered a detailed update on migrant smuggling and protection challenges in the region. It provided:

• A clearer understanding of the risks migrants face on the Western Balkan route

• Insights into how smuggling networks and migration patterns have changed

• Practical recommendations for policies and programs that enhance migrant safety