A growing number of Chinese migrants are attempting to reach the EU via the Western Balkans, driven by economic hardship, youth unemployment and political dissatisfaction in China. Many enter Serbia visa-free and then rely on smugglers to cross into EU countries such as Croatia and Hungary, often facing dangerous journeys, pushbacks by border police and the risk of exploitation. The route has gained popularity after stricter U.S. immigration policies and the end of visa-free travel to Ecuador made reaching the United States harder. Social media portraying generous welfare systems in countries like Germany has also encouraged migration, although asylum approval rates for Chinese applicants remain relatively low.
Date: February 13, 2026. Source: balkaninsight.com