IOM and EU support the establishment of a new reception center for migrants

Pristina, 15 November 2021 – The European Union and UN Migration Agency provide support to the authorities to enhance management of migration flows during the COVD-19 pandemic, strengthen capacities to receive and protect migrants.

A reconstruction of an ex-military building in Vranidoll, in the Pristina municipality, has been just completed and the adapted building is ready to serve as a reception and registration center for migrants. The centre will provide shelter to stranded migrants, who until now have often ended up living in squatter areas, on the streets or in overcrowded apartments used by smuggling networks which put them at a very high risk of exploitation and abuse.  With the spread of COVID-19, the situation of migrants, particularly those with irregular migration status, has become even more challenging and demanded urgent action to ensure their protection and safeguard their rights.

“The establishment of the reception centre is a milestone in managing migration flows and protecting migrants’ rights. Migrants shall have access to basic services and accurate and reliable information enabling them to make informed decisions. IOM will continue to support authorities in strengthening identification of vulnerable migrants such as victims of trafficking or unaccompanied children and provision of adequate assistance”, said Ms. Anna Rostocka, IOM Chief of Mission.

Since the beginning of 2015, the Western Balkans region has emerged as a major transit hub for migrants attempting to reach the EU. Kosovo Border Police data recorded more than 1,300 new arrivals in 2021. However, these data include only those who have been registered by the police. It is expected that the reception center will contribute to enhancing data collection and subsequently allowing for a more evidence-based migration policy.

Ambassador Tomáš Szunyog, Head of EU Office/EU Special Representative in Kosovo said “Migration is high on the priority list for the EU. The partnership with the Western Balkans is an essential part of the new Migration and Asylum Pact. We have invested approximately EUR 7 MIL in our cooperation in the field of migration with Kosovo and we stay committed to this cause.”

Mr. Xhelal Sveçla, Minister of Internal Affairs quotes “Let me emphasize that migration management is one of our state priorities and we have proven this with the approval of the Migration Strategy 2021-2025, where we have envisaged a number of measures related to the consolidation of institutional mechanisms in this are, as well as guaranteeing that our migration policies are in line with international European standards, in particular the Global Migration Pact, the Global Asylum Pact, and the EU Migration and Asylum Pact”.

Reception Center is established under the project “Addressing COVID-19 challenges within the Migrant and Refugee Response in the Western Balkans” implemented by IOM and funded by the European Union Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI). The total value of the renovation is close to 450,000 EUR.