The Foreign Police in Nové Zámky has new premises, which were inaugurated by the Minister of the Interior Matúš Šutaj Eštok. The reason for the relocation was the need to respond to the growing administrative burden associated with the increasing number of applications for residence and the constantly changing situation in the field of migration.
"Our priority is to improve working conditions for our officers and provide a better service to the public. The new premises of the Foreign Police in Nové Zámky are proof of our efforts to improve the conditions for work and reception of clients. With this step we want to express not only practical change, but also the values that Slovakia stands for - openness and responsibility in the field of migration," Minister Eštok stressed.
A growing agenda
Over the past years, the number of applications for residence in Nové Zámky has increased many times. While in 2012 the department received only 355 applications, between 2022 and 2024 this number rose sharply. In 2022, 6,185 applications were received; in 2023, 5,995 applications were received; and in 2024, the number of applications decreased slightly to 4,679. This increase was due not only to the current agenda, but also to the influx of departees from Ukraine and increased secondary transit migration.
Secondary migration
Between 2016 and 2021, 674 foreigners were dealt with by the department in connection with secondary illegal migration. However, the situation changed dramatically between 2022 and 2023, when the number of irregular migrants dealt with reached up to 1 914 and then 8 861 in 2023. This increase required increased staff deployment and improved organisational capacity.
Modernisation for efficiency
The new premises were designed with an emphasis on improving efficiency and comfort for clients and staff. Increased capacity, modern technology and better organisational solutions should help to process applications faster and more smoothly. The ability to process sensitive data more securely and to communicate more smoothly between offices is also an important benefit.
Minister Eštok stressed at the opening that improving working conditions is not only a necessity, but also part of the strategy for more effective border protection and strengthening services for foreigners coming to Slovakia.
In addition to technical improvements, emphasis is also placed on the professionalisation of staff and regular staff training. The new premises in Nové Zámky are therefore an important step forward in coping with the current challenges in the field of migration and at the same time create better conditions for the work of the Aliens Police.
