Montenegro has welcomed more than 200,000 Ukrainian refugees, making it the largest host of Ukrainian refugees per capita globally, according to the BBC.
Nearly 10% of the country’s population now consists of Ukrainians who have fled the war. Montenegro’s government has extended temporary protection for refugees until March 2025, a move widely praised by international observers.
Alongside Ukrainians, many Russians and Belarusians have also found refuge, drawn by the country’s visa-free regime and cultural affinities.
To assist refugees, particularly those arriving with few resources, the non-profit shelter Pristanište in Budva offers temporary support.
The shelter provides two weeks of accommodation and help with essentials such as documentation, housing, and job searches. These efforts underline Montenegro’s commitment to aiding those displaced by war, even as the small nation grapples with the challenges of accommodating such a large refugee population.