Serbia extends recruitment for elite police unit amid low application numbers

Serbia's Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) has extended its recruitment drive for the elite Special Anti-Terrorist Unit (SAJ), a move prompted by an unprecedentedly low number of applications. The decision comes after the ministry received far fewer submissions than anticipated for the 22 available posts.

According to media reports, only 134 applications were submitted for the highly specialized positions. This figure represents a stark contrast to the previous year, when 403 individuals applied. Of those who applied last year, 105 candidates reached the rigorous three-month selection training phase, with only 11 ultimately joining the unit.

The ministry announced that the competition will remain open until August 11. This extension is intended to facilitate a "higher quality and more efficient selection process." Officials also cited the ongoing holiday season and the submission of incomplete documentation by some candidates as contributing factors to the need for an extended recruitment period.

In parallel, a separate recruitment campaign for 100 positions within the Unit for the Protection of Persons and Facilities (JZO) was opened in June. This campaign saw a much higher response, with 795 applications received, indicating a stronger interest in other security roles within the MUP.