Slovakia adopts new strategy for the governance of asylum and migration

The National Strategy of the Slovak Republic for the Governance of Asylum and Migration (2025) was adopted by the Government of the Slovak Republic in Bratislava on 12 June 2025. It serves as a key policy framework for guiding asylum and migration governance over the next 5 years.

The strategy builds on EU legislation and continues the national policy trajectory outlined in previous documents such as the Migration Policy of the Slovak Republic and the Recovery and Resilience Plan. The document addresses contemporary challenges including demographic shifts, labour shortages, irregular migration, the integration of individuals granted international protection, and the consequences of the war in Ukraine. It outlines concrete measures for managing both legal and irregular migration, enhancing asylum procedures, and strengthening border and security mechanisms, with significant emphasis on migrant integration.

Integration of migrants

The strategy defines integration as a two-way, dynamic, and long-term process that requires commitment from both migrants and the state. It promotes an integration model based on compliance with Slovak legislation, cultural norms, and use of the Slovak language. The measures focus on enabling access to essential services including healthcare, social assistance, housing, education, and the labour market. Additional support is directed towards language acquisition, career counseling, civic orientation, and mentoring. Vulnerable groups - such as unaccompanied minors, people with disabilities, and victims of human trafficking - are given special attention. The strategy also envisages a strong role for local governments and non-governmental organisations in delivering integration support and ensuring community cohesion.

Principles and measures

The national strategy outlines 18 priority measures to foster the timely and effective integration of individuals granted international protection, temporary protection, and other foreign nationals, with particular attention to vulnerable groups. It calls for initiating inclusive dialogue on developing a national integration framework in cooperation with municipalities, NGOs, and international organisations. Particular focus is placed on ensuring access to healthcare, social assistance, housing, and selected state benefits.

Additionally, the strategy supports the integration and independent living of unaccompanied minors, promotes alternative care arrangements, and strengthens the role of local and regional authorities in integration processes, including the allocation of adequate financial resources and data collection mechanisms. Individualised support, including language training, career counselling, and mentoring, is complemented by guaranteed access to inclusive education at all levels, with additional support for children with disabilities.

Further priorities include the use of sport as a tool for integration, the prevention of violence and discrimination and the promotion of intercultural dialogue and tolerance through cultural initiatives. The strategy also highlights the role of religious communities in providing both spiritual and humanitarian support. A separate priority is the consideration of establishing a nationally coordinated, dedicated system for the integration of foreigners.