The diaspora, which brings more than 600 million euros to Montenegro, should not be used as a currency for daily political pocketing and should not be seen exclusively as a resource for potential voters.
This was said by the newly elected director of the Diaspora Administration, Seid Hadžić, in an interview with "Vijesti", stressing that he will make an effort to valorize, as he said, the enormous potential that the diaspora has, which the previous government failed to recognize.
He pointed out that currently the greatest attention of the diaspora is focused on the Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on Residence and Residency Registers, which causes them fear, but that he is doing everything in his power to find a compromise solution in the interests of the diaspora and the regulation of this area .
Hadžić pointed out that on that occasion there were many political manipulations by which parties try to push their interests, spreading misinformation and creating panic.
He adds that he was not recommended for the position of director of the Diaspora Administration by the political position of vice president of the Justice and Reconciliation Party, which ran in the previous elections as part of the "Black on White" coalition.
How will you improve cooperation between Montenegro and the diaspora? What have you noticed as shortcomings that need to be worked on?
If we keep in mind that the direct inflow of pure money that the diaspora brings to Montenegro every year exceeds 600 million euros, and that at the same time these people are looked at almost exclusively from a political aspect - potential voters or coins for daily political pocket change, the answer to your question is self-evident: the government so far has not been able to recognize and valorize the enormous potential of the diaspora.
The organization itself, the budget of the Administration, as well as the number of employees speak volumes about it. Our long-term strategy is for the diaspora to get their own ministry that will represent their interests, but also make the best use of the inexhaustible source of knowledge, science, capital and experience in order to build a prosperous and modern Montenegro.
Although we are very limited by budget and available staff, with the diaspora's huge concern regarding the announced changes to the Law on Residence and Residency, we are slowly but surely establishing a connection with the diaspora, presenting them with plans, asking for their suggestions and proposals, and embarking on a completely new story.
We will help the diaspora to organize into thematic clubs that will not be limited by the country in which they live, which will create a prerequisite for easier communication and planning activities in Montenegro, but at the same time it will also facilitate contacts for them, opening up some new opportunities in mutual connection.
We will connect state institutions, ministries and local governments with the diaspora, we will represent their interests, but also promote Montenegro through them around the world. We have many plans, there is a lot of work ahead of us, and that is why we once again invite you to channel the enormous energy of the diaspora into a concrete and systemic, constant and strategic cooperation with the homeland for mutual satisfaction.
How do you plan to react to the fact that the diaspora often complains that they are excluded from decision-making, as well as that they do not have good cooperation with the ambassadors in the countries?
By representing their interests and, in cooperation with the competent institutions, looking for solutions for all their problems and needs.
In the practice of European countries, there is a very wide range of mechanisms that help the diaspora to realize their rights, and the Administration will consider with the relevant ministries and the Government of Montenegro what is applicable in our country, what suits the diaspora best and which way we should go. It is a complex process, but not unattainable. When you have the will and the desire, an agreement is always possible.
We register all concrete complaints of the diaspora and forward them to the competent institutions or discuss them directly, i.e. we represent the diaspora, as in the example of the proposal to amend the Law on Residence and Residency, where we initiated and held a very useful meeting with the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Sergej Sekulović. After that, we also had meetings with individual deputies from our parliament. When I already mentioned that bill, I want to point out that at the moment things are going in the right direction and I think we will reach a solution that is completely acceptable to our diaspora and is in the interest of the state. In such and a similar way, we will fight so that the voice of our diaspora reaches everyone and is treated at the highest level and problems are solved.
On Friday, at the initiative of the Administration, we also held a thematic online meeting with diaspora associations from the region, Europe, and beyond. The meeting was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Đorđe Radulović, Assistant Prime Minister Maida Gorčević, as well as Branislav Karadžić, Director of the Directorate for Consular Affairs and Diaspora. There will be more and more meetings like this with precisely defined topics, all with the aim of closer cooperation with the diaspora and the inclusion of the diaspora in all streams.
Once again, I invite the diaspora to contact us for all problems and needs. We are their service in the homeland.
How do you comment on the allegations that you would not be the director of the Diaspora Administration if you were not the vice president of the party (Party of Justice and Reconciliation)?
Established daily political practice in Montenegro. I will mention only one thing, I came to this position from the position of manager of a very serious institution. I didn't come here for a salary or an apartment. Podgorica is a beautiful city, but I prefer Ibar to Morača, Hajla to Gorica, snow to rain... with all due respect to this city.
The development strategy of the Administration, which we intend to implement, will give the best answer to all those who try to dispute someone's expertise through politicking. Only my name is not important here, I don't pay attention to daily political pamphlets.
A system in which the doors of state and local institutions, no matter who is in power in the future, will be open to the diaspora, regardless of national, religious or geographical location, and all with the aim of strengthening the state and local self-governments and of course realizing all the rights of the diaspora will be the best answer and indicator that we as a society can get out of this gloomy reality in which we live.
Do you have an estimate of how many people from Montenegro live in the diaspora and where are the most?
Rough estimates are that we have at least one more Montenegro. Where are the most of us? The countries of the region, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia, then Turkey, EU, USA, South America, Russia... We are everywhere. It is our treasure. It is an inexhaustible ocean of knowledge, science, capital, experiences, acquaintances... Our task is to present these potentials to the Montenegrin society so that they value them more and treat them more responsibly.
What complaints or compliments have you received since the beginning of your mandate from the diaspora at the expense of the Administration for the Diaspora, and since the beginning of your mandate?
Political prejudices, misinformation and semi-information are the basis of almost all complaints so far, which I must point out, and it was not excessive. Most of the time, these misunderstandings are resolved after a few minutes of conversation. I am aware that, unfortunately, we as a society contribute to untruths and half-truths becoming viral 'facts' through poor communication, and I personally use the good old method to solve these problems - direct conversation.
I personally, as well as the entire Administration, are available to the diaspora, the media, and the entire society for a conversation at any moment and on any topic.
On the other hand, my greatest praise is when people feel that the Administration is theirs, that the doors of the Administration are wide open for them, and when they recognize in us a partner ready for cooperation, friendly and fraternal cooperation. Montenegro is a common homeland and their right to it is no less than ours, those who live here. The diaspora increasingly recognizes and respects this attitude of ours.
Bonus video:
