According to the information we have, citizens living abroad have shown interest in taking part in the census. In the first few days over 25,000 of them filled out the online census survey. Religious communities can play a key role in the diaspora headcount, due to their presence on all continents. The Macedonian diaspora is largely organized by religious communities, Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani said on Friday after meeting with the leaders of the three largest religions communities in North Macedonia.
He was accompanied at the meeting by State Statistical Office head, Apostol Simovski, and the director of the Emigration Agency, Slobodan Bliznakovski.
Participants discussed at the meeting activities within the 2021 census.
The headcount of several categories of citizens, including the diaspora, started on March 1.
“I think the process of enumerating citizens living abroad is a crucial part of the census. It’s very important for the Foreign Ministry to have precise information regarding the non-resident population in order to create long-term policies aiming to prevent further immigration. The leaders of the three largest religious communities expressed today strong support for the process and said that they will urge believers living abroad to take part in the headcount,” Osmani said.
According to him, Friday’s constructive debate will encourage the continuation of the process. Numbers, he underlined, are optimistic, with 25,000 citizens filling out the online census survey in a few days.
“There are 45 days left in the process and if religious communities, state institutions, media, etc. make an effort to inform those living abroad about the census, we’ll have a complete picture of our diaspora, which will impact policy-creation,” the Minister added.
Simovski noted that all assistance in the process is welcomed.
“I’m happy that the representatives of the three largest religious communities have shown understanding. Their help is invaluable and I’m convinced they’ll send a much-needed positive message. The process is in everyone’s best interest and all assistance is welcomed,” he said.
Bliznakovski underlined full support for the process, stressing its statistical nature.–
“I’m calling on all non-residents to exercise their right and fill out the online census survey via the app. The Emigration Agency is at the disposal of all citizens living abroad who have trouble taking part in the process,” he added.
