Final conference on the occasion of 31 August, the final deadline for the application of former holders of occupancy rights in Croatia for housing in the territory outside the areas of special state concern, was held yesterday in Congress center Master in Novi Sad. The same deadline is for refugees from Bosnia and Herzegovina to apply to the Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees to assist in the reconstruction of housing units to return to Bosnia.

Danijela Popovic Rocco, Assistant Commissioner for Refugees and Migration of the Republic of Serbia, Mario Nenadic, Assistant Minister for Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Ivica Preskar from the State Office for Reconstruction and Housing Care of the Republic of Croatia addressed the media representatives. The conference was supported by representatives of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Danijela Popovic Rocco pointed out that it is very important that all those eligible apply for this program and stated that the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration of the Republic of Serbia  will provide all assistance to those interested.

-If someone is not able to obtain all the necessary documents till the end of the month it is essential that he submits the application form and the documents he has, and for the rest of documents it will be possible to submit them later. Refugees in Serbia now have the opportunity to participate in housing programs of BiH and Croatia by filing a request not later than 31 August, and program of support in Serbia for obtaining housing material or flats will be implemented during next five years - said Popovic Rocco.

Mario Nenadic, Assistant Minister for Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina, said that the public tender for the reconstruction of houses was extended three times in BiH and sent a clear message for those interested to take this opportunity and submit applications.

Ivica Preskar, representative of the State Office for Reconstruction and Housing of the Republic of Croatia, explained that the provision of housing for former holders of occupancy rights takes place in cities and municipalities in Croatia where the person previously had a permanent residence, or used a socially owned apartment.

Representatives of the three countries sent a message that this is the last opportunity and these deadlines will not be extended.