Migration has been a defining aspect of human history, shaping societies and economies. It has contributed to progress, cultural exchange and built opportunities across generations. The benefits of well-managed migration can be enormous, accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and its transformative promise to leave no one behind, fill labour shortages, enable adaptation to climate change, and manage demographic transitions. On this International Migrants Day, under the theme “Every Step,” IOM Kosovo¹ reflects on the progress made throughout 2024 in advancing safe, orderly, and regular migration pathways. Through targeted initiatives and collaboration, IOM reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that migration benefits both migrants and their communities. 

1. In 2024, IOM supported the Kosovo Authority on Migration (GAM) in developing a Roadmap for Labour Mobility and Regular Pathways. This framework was created during an IOM-led training and focuses on inter-ministerial cooperation, collaboration with the private sector, skills mobility partnerships, and ethical recruitment practices, among other priorities. It aligns with IOM’s global strategic plan ensuring that migration is safe, regular and orderly. 
    
2. Evidence from a recent IOM study shows that migration, when well-managed, can contribute to development. The Migrant Labour Mobility Study 2024, conducted by IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), provides insights into migrant workers’ life and employment in Kosovo. Respondents reported challenges faced by migrants, such as high recruitment fees, limited health insurance, and unregulated practices. These findings informed IOM’s work to strengthen protection for migrants and emphasize the importance of regular migration frameworks. 
    
3. IOM also worked with the private sector to address labour market needs. In partnership with the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce, a survey was conducted with 500 businesses to identify workforce shortages in key economic sectors. This initiative demonstrated how regular pathways can address labour demands while promoting fair and ethical recruitment practices. The findings continue to inform efforts to connect labour supply and demand while safeguarding workers’ rights. 
    
4. Visa liberalization in 2024 allowed residents of Kosovo to travel to the European Union and Schengen-associated countries without visas. IOM carried out outreach and awareness campaigns to ensure all communities could benefit from this change, particularly Roma, Ashkali, Egyptian (RAE), and Serbian communities. These campaigns included online outreach, public discussions, round tables, and conferences to explain the rights and responsibilities under the Schengen framework. Approximately 1,500 people were reached through door-to-door outreach while multilingual materials were also used to ensure clear and accessible information for all communities. 
    
5. On the international level, Kosovo advanced its commitment to ethical recruitment by joining the Global Policy Network on Recruitment, a platform facilitated by IOM that connects governments, international organizations, and other stakeholders to improve recruitment practices and protect migrant workers. Supported by IOM, this affiliation enabled Kosovo to access international expertise and share experiences on ethical recruitment strategies. In June 2024, Kosovo participated in the Global Conference on the Regulation of International Recruitment held in Geneva. The conference underscored the importance of ethical recruitment, emphasizing transparency, fairness, and safeguarding workers’ rights throughout the recruitment process. By participating, Kosovo demonstrated its capacity as an active partner in global migration governance and strengthened its capacity to align recruitment practices with international standards, contributing to improved labour mobility and protections for migrant workers.  

IOM’s work in 2024 as well as in 2025, will continue to reflect its role in supporting regular pathways, fostering community resilience, and advancing migration governance frameworks that are inclusive and rights-based.  

*All references to Kosovo should be understood to be in the context of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999).