Pristina, 22 May 2023 – A Swiss-funded project designed to enhance the capacities of local authorities in migration governance, whose implementation was entrusted to IOM, was officially launched today during a ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. 

Speakers at the event included the ambassador of Switzerland in Kosovo, Mr. Thomas Kolly, Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Xhelal Sveçla, and the Chief of the IOM Mission in Kosovo Ms. Anna Rostocka. 

The three-year project “Enhance Migration Governance Through Evidence-Based Programming and Strengthened Capacities of Authorities in Kosovo” worth 2.1 million Swiss Francs seeks to strengthen migration governance in Kosovo through a holistic, evidence-based approach that maximizes migration potential for sustainable development. More specifically, the project will provide expertise to migration authorities in collecting, managing and analyzing migration data, strengthen the capacities of the migration government authority, expand accommodation capacities at the Vranidoll compound, as well as extend the Citizen Diplomacy Fellowship Program aimed to engage the diaspora in the transfer of skills and knowledge. 

In his welcoming remarks, Minister Sveçla said that this joint work will result in the creation of a sustainable migration management system and the achievement of international standards in the field of migration. Speaking about the importance of the project, Ambassador Kolly said that enhanced migration policies mean better management procedures for entry and presence of transit migrants, asylum seekers, and those in need of international protection.

The Chief of IOM Mission, Ms. Anna Rostocka, said that the project is a step forward in the achievement of the goals of the Global Compact for Safe Orderly and Regular Migration as it promotes humane, safe and orderly migration and seeks to leverage the potential of migration as a socio-economic and sustainable development outcome for all.

Speakers at the event also highlighted the importance of the project to regional stability by addressing irregular migration and fostering cooperation with neighboring countries, thus creating a more stable environment for regional development and investments.