If a Mural Could Talk: A Migrant's Journey of Hope and Resilience in Serbia

Presevo, Serbia - For Tamar, a 25-year-old Palestinian, a bench by a colourful mural, covered with a large hummingbird symbolizes freedom, serenity, and hope. It has become his favourite spot within the confines of the Presevo Reception Centre located in southern Serbia. A place where he can daydream, rest, reflect on his journey, and remember the family he left behind.

“My family, my father, mother and brothers, are not with me in Serbia and I think about them every day,” sighs Tamar.

Tamar's father lives in Jordan. It pains him that the family is split, with two brothers living with their father and the other two at home with their mother.

“Growing up, I have always enjoyed playing football in the streets of our town with my brothers. But we are all separated now,” Tamar recalls.

Tamar ended up in Serbia in 2024 after fleeing from conflict in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, arriving first to Egypt, then on to Greece, before his long and arduous journey brought him to the Western Balkans.

"People told me that Europe offered some degree of safety, so I started my journey at the beginning of October last year and I am now living in Serbia.”
 

Finding a job is a priority for Tamar, preferably in auto-mechanics as his love of cars is clearly palpable, and he has extensive experience working in this trade. At home, the family ran an auto repair shop, so Tamar feels that he has a lot to offer on the labour market. He has also worked at a restaurant, both as a waiter and a chef’s assistant. Tamar has many life goals but reuniting with his family is the most pressing priority.

“If all goes well, I would like to travel the world. But first, my goal is to help my family,” he recounts.

Helping people is what drives Tamar and he returns gestures of kindness anytime he can, helping medical staff at the centre with Arabic translations as well as soothing the patients in a language they can relate to and understand. When Tamar hears music in the dorms next door, it is a sign that someone has arrived at the centre, and he is always amongst the first residents to meet and greet the new arrivals and make them feel at home.

“I am curious and really like to find out about other people’s cultures and these encounters are so enriching for me.”

IOM Serbia’s Chief of Mission, Zeynal Hajiyev, reflects about the importance of the centre for migrants such as Tamar. “Our presence at the reception centre in Presevo reflects IOM’s dedication to assisting migrants regardless of the changes in flows, as migration is not just about mere statistics, but concerns the lives and struggles of people on the move.”

For someone so young, separated from his family and unsure about his future, Tamar does have some words of wisdom based on his experience as a migrant. “Be careful on your journey, as there are so many perils that lie ahead and I encourage regular pathways, because there will be someone there to help you at the end. Otherwise, it is extremely dangerous, and you can put yourself and your family at risk.”

Being at the reception centre in Presevo, Tamar expresses his gratitude for the support he receives on a daily basis. IOM has been a reliable partner to the Government of Serbia in providing protection and assistance to migrants escaping conflict, exploitation, and abuse.

As observed in the reception centre, the coordinated approach to migration management in Serbia has enabled migrants to access essential services and support, while upholding the dignity of those in need. These interventions were made possible with support from the European Union.