Montenegro – Needs and Intentions Surveys with Refugees from Ukraine, Round #01 (April 2022)

From 24 February to 06 April, it is estimated that around 40,000 Ukrainians entered the Western Balkans (WB) following the outbreak of the armed conflict in Ukraine. In the same period, an estimated 10,000 Ukrainians entered Montenegro, of which 4,000 left the country. Around 6,000 Ukrainians who fled the armed conflict are currently present in Montenegro. In addition to this, there are around 2,000 Ukrainians who are regular residents of Montenegro. Ukrainian refugees currently represent around 1 per cent of the official Montenegrin population. Most of them are staying in the coastal area of the country, with friends or relatives.
Between 30 March and 06 April, the IOM conducted a rapid displacement and needs assessment in Montenegro in four locations, in Podgorica, Budva, Herceg Novi and Bijelo Polje, to gather more in-depth information on the profiles, intentions and needs of Ukrainians who fled their home country to escape the conflict. The reason for implementing this rapid assessment in Montenegro is that the country has the highest percentage of Ukrainian refugees currently residing in the WB (almost two thirds of the total Ukrainians present). This is mainly due to the cultural linkages with the country, but also to the fact that many Ukrainians have been to the country at other times, having their own house or apartment or having spent the holidays there. On March 13, 2022, the government of Montenegro issued the decision on granting temporary protection to all persons fleeing Ukraine for a period of one year with the possibility of an extension for an additional period. The procedure for obtaining temporary protection lasts up to 30 days from the day the application is submitted.
During this period, applicants receive a confirmation of submission according to which the most vulnerable categories, such as pregnant women, the chronically ill, children, persons with urgent health problems, can immediately access health care