Refugees in Gevgelija, a town on the Macedonian side of the border with Greece, have been obliged since last month to sign papers declaring to which country they would like to apply for asylum.

If they don't pledge to apply for asylum in Germany or Austria, they will be returned to Greece, says the NGO Are You Syrious?

Balkan route

Macedonia is the last country on the so-called Balkan route. It has introduced harsh policies at the border for migrants on the way to Western Europe.

In January, Macedonian police temporarily closed the border with Greece, blocking hundreds of people in Greek territory. Police said that around 600 migrants from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq were left waiting to enter Macedonia.

The border was opened days later and remains open, but only for those who have stated that they want to seek asylum in Austria or Germany, said a police official. The other refugees at Greek-Macedonian border will be returned to Greece.