In the town of Bihać, Bosnia, a water tower now serves as a shelter for migrants attempting to cross into the European Union. Among them is Zhang, a Chinese man who fled his country with his children seeking a better life due to political repression and economic challenges. The journey has been dangerous and costly, with multiple attempts to cross the border into Croatia resulting in apprehension and deportation back to Bosnia. Despite the risks, Zhang sees emigration as the only option for his family’s future.
The number of Chinese migrants attempting the Balkan route has been steadily increasing, with many using Bosnia as a stepping stone to enter the EU. The strict control over speech in China, combined with economic struggles, has driven this new wave of migrants seeking freedom and opportunities abroad. The journey is fraught with peril, with many migrants facing challenges such as deportation and unemployment.
For Zhang and others like him, the desire for a better life outweighs the risks and hardships of migration. While some seek asylum in Bosnia, many continue on to Europe in search of a brighter future. Despite the difficulties they face, these migrants are determined to find hope and opportunity in a new land, even if it means leaving their homes and embarking on a dangerous journey.
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