Friday, January 6, 2023

Why Can't Bosnian Serbs Live in Serbia?

Bosnian Serbs are an ethnic group living in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They are the largest ethnic group in the country, making up around 31% of the population. Despite their large presence in Bosnia, many Bosnian Serbs have expressed a desire to move to Serbia, their ancestral homeland. However, this is not possible due to a number of factors.

  • Bosnian Serbs are descendants of Serbs who lived in the region before the Ottoman Empire conquered it.

  • The Bosnian War of the 1990s caused a strain on Serbia's resources, and the government was unable to accept any more refugees.

  • Bosnian Serbs would need to obtain a visa in order to move to Serbia.

  • Many Bosnian Serbs have developed a strong sense of identity with the country, making it difficult to contemplate leaving.

Bosnian Serbs are descendants of the Serbs who lived in the region before the Ottoman Empire conquered it in the 15th century. After the Ottoman Empire was defeated in the 19th century, the region was divided into several countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina. This division meant that many Serbs were now living in a country that was not their own.

The Bosnian War of the 1990s further complicated the situation for Bosnian Serbs. During the war, many Bosnian Serbs were forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in Serbia. This influx of refugees caused a strain on Serbia's resources, and the government was unable to accept any more refugees. As a result, many Bosnian Serbs were unable to move to Serbia.

In addition to the practical difficulties of moving to Serbia, there are also legal obstacles. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a member of the European Union, and citizens of the country are allowed to move freely within the EU. However, Serbia is not a member of the EU, and so Bosnian Serbs would need to obtain a visa in order to move to Serbia.

Finally, there is the issue of identity. Many Bosnian Serbs have lived in Bosnia for generations, and have developed a strong sense of identity with the country. For many, the idea of leaving their homeland and moving to Serbia is simply too difficult to contemplate.

Good to know:

  • Bosnian Serbs: An ethnic group living in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

  • Ottoman Empire: A former empire that ruled over much of the Middle East and parts of Europe from the 14th to the early 20th century.

  • Bosnian War: A conflict that took place in Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1992 to 1995.

  • European Union: An economic and political union of 28 member states located primarily in Europe.

For Bosnian Serbs, the decision to move to Serbia is a difficult one. There are practical, legal, and emotional obstacles that make it difficult for them to make the move. As a result, many Bosnian Serbs remain in Bosnia, where they have developed a strong sense of identity and belonging.

The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.

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