From 5 to 7 October, 2026, JRS Macedonia had the privilege of hosting Fr. Tomislav Vujeva SJ, the newly appointed Regional Director of JRS South-East Europe, for a visit to our offices and field locations in North Macedonia. 

His visit marked an important opportunity to strengthen cooperation, exchange perspectives, and reflect on the future direction of our mission. At a time when migration and protection challenges continue to evolve, his presence brought renewed encouragement and a sense of shared purpose to our teams, reinforcing the importance of solidarity, commitment and regional collaboration. 

During his visit, Fr. Tomislav met with JRS staff in Gevgelija and Skopje, gaining insight into the organisation’s ongoing activities, the realities of fieldwork and the needs of the refugees, asylum seekers and migrants we accompany. The meetings provided space for open and constructive discussions, allowing colleagues to share their experiences, reflect on current challenges and identify priorities for the work ahead. 

In Gevgelija, the visit offered an opportunity to discuss the circumstances surrounding the Temporary Transit Centre and the challenges faced by migrants along the migration route. In Skopje, conversations focused on the broader protection, legal, humanitarian and social needs addressed by JRS Macedonia, as well as the importance of maintaining a strong and responsive presence in an increasingly complex environment. 

Beyond the formal meetings, the visit was characterised by a spirit of openness, mutual respect and encouragement. It reaffirmed the value of the work carried out by our dedicated teams, whose daily efforts require perseverance, professionalism and compassion. It also highlighted the importance of supporting those who work on the front lines of our mission, often under demanding and uncertain circumstances. 

We warmly welcome Fr. Tomislav into his new role and look forward to working together to advance the mission of JRS across South-East Europe. His leadership offers an opportunity to deepen cooperation, strengthen our shared vision and approach future challenges with renewed determination. 

We wish Fr. Tomislav strength, wisdom and perseverance in this demanding responsibility. Together, we will continue to accompany, serve and advocate for refugees and migrants, guided by the belief that even in difficult times, our presence, solidarity and commitment can bring hope and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.