Mar 14 β€’ 14:21 UTC πŸ‡±πŸ‡» Latvia TVNET

Kosovo will not implement the foreigner entry regulation that angered the Serbs for now

The Kosovo government has decided to postpone the implementation of a new regulation concerning foreign entry to avoid political tensions with ethnic Serbs.

The Kosovo government, led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti, announced the decision to delay the implementation of a new law regulating the entry of foreigners into the country. This move comes as a response to concerns about potential political unrest with the ethnic Serbian population, particularly in northern Kosovo, where ethnic Serbs form a majority. The proposed law included requirements for foreigners, ranging from work to family reunification, to obtain residence permits, which could have strained relations between Kosovo and its neighbor Serbia.

The law also specified restrictions on foreign vehicles, prohibiting them from remaining on the roads for more than three months. Such measures were seen as provocative and could have exacerbated tensions between the communities. In light of regional stability, Kurti's administration opted for a one-year delay on the law's enforcement, underlining the importance of maintaining dialogue and peace amid sensitive ethnic dynamics.

After discussions with Peter Serensen, the EU envoy for Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, Kurti revealed plans to offer temporary residence permits for Serbian workers and students for a duration of twelve months, with a possibility of extension. This proposal indicates Kosovo’s willingness to accommodate the needs of the Serbian community while navigating the complexities of its relationship with Serbia and adhering to European Union recommendations regarding regional stability.

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