Source: APC
Photo: APC

Novi Sad, 10 September 2024. godine: The Asylum Protection Center (APC) provided support to the Elmani family in the process of obtaining permanent residency in the Republic of Serbia. This is yet another successful case for APC, which legally represented the family before all relevant institutions of the Republic of Serbia.

In 2014, Elmani family left Libya. Due to fear of radical armed groups and the risk of revenge if they returned to Libya, their country of origin, Ahman and his family continued their life in Serbia, and since 2015, the Elmani family has been living in Novi Sad.

With the legal support and representation of APC, Ahman and his family submitted an asylum application in 2017. In 2018, the Asylum Office granted them the right to asylum in the form of subsidiary protection. For the youngest family member, the minor Mustafa, who was born in Serbia, APC requested family reunification. Family reunification and the right to asylum in the form of subsidiary protection were approved. In accordance with regulations and rulebooks concerning foreigners, APC facilitated the issuance of their registration number, followed by the processing of their ID cards.

Ahman and his family were granted the right to financial social assistance through the initiative and submission of a request by APC to the competent social work center. Upon Ahman’s employment in 2019, APC provided support to the family to help them access healthcare rights.

The APC integration team continuously helped the family familiarize themselves with Serbian culture and integrate more quickly into the community. The family regularly received support in the form of humanitarian aid packages and all necessary information. This was especially the case in 2020, when, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a state of emergency, quarantine measures, and curfews were introduced. The APC team regularly informed the family about the changes and current movement permits at the time.

Mirhab and Maro, after having their Libyan school diplomas recognized, continued their education in Serbian primary schools, while Sena began her education in a Serbian primary school. APC provided Mirhab with support during the diploma recognition process, choosing a career, and enrolling in his desired high school. All Elmani family members speak Serbian, and they see Serbia as their new home.

In August 2024, APC prepared the necessary documentation for all family members to submit applications for permanent residency. At the beginning of September 2024, the APC legal team prepared the required documents and, together with the Elmani family, submitted the applications for permanent residency at the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia.

We are proud that APC provided legal and integration assistance and continuously offered direct support to the Elmani family in obtaining the right to permanent residency in the Republic of Serbia.