Kosovo government rejects US request to shelter immigrants from third countries

The acting government of Kosovo has confirmed to Radio Free Europe (RFE/RL) that it has expressed its willingness to cooperate with the United States of America regarding the admission and temporary resettlement of third-country nationals in Kosovo, "in accordance with the conditions set out".

“Over a period of one year, up to fifty persons may be temporarily relocated, with the aim of facilitating their safe return to their country of origin. The Government has expressed its willingness to engage, with the possibility of selecting individuals from a proposed list, as long as they meet certain criteria related to the rule of law and public order,” said Përparim Kryeziu, spokesperson for the acting Government, in a statement to REL.

He added that further information will be provided in the meantime.

The US Department of State (DASH) confirmed to REL on June 6 that countries in the Balkan region have been included in contacts within a broader US strategy for the deportation of foreign nationals without regular status.

"American partners and regional leaders are working closely with us to end the crisis of illegal and mass migration," the State Department stressed, adding that implementing the Trump administration's migration policy is one of its top priorities.

"The removal from the United States of aliens for whom final orders of removal exist, as well as the deportation of illegal immigrants, protects the United States from foreign terrorists and other threats to national security and public order," the response states.

The State Department also emphasized that continued cooperation with foreign governments is key to preventing illegal and mass migration, as well as border security.

The acting government of Kosovo said that the United States remains a steadfast ally of the Republic of Kosovo.

"Our mutual partnership, built over decades, is based on shared values ​​and cooperation. We highly appreciate their support, especially on our journey towards integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions."

Reuters news agency, citing Bloomberg News, reported on June 5 that President Trump's administration is pressuring Serbia and other Balkan countries to accept migrants deported by the United States.

Last month, the US Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to revoke temporary legal status for hundreds of thousands of migrants from Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti and Nicaragua living in the US, strengthening the Republican president's efforts to increase deportations.

According to Bloomberg, the Trump administration is looking at potential destinations for migrants who could be deported as a result of this decision.

The acting government of Kosovo on May 26 expressed its willingness to discuss with the United Kingdom the proposal to establish "return centers" in Kosovo for asylum seekers rejected by the British Isles.

The proposal to set up return centres is part of a wider UK strategy to address the growing number of migrants arriving on the English island through illegal routes.

However, the international organization Human Rights Watch has expressed concern that using Balkan countries as host countries for migrants could violate their rights and create new challenges for host countries.

In a similar agreement that also sparked criticism, in 2022, Kosovo and Denmark agreed to lease 300 prison cells at the Correctional Institution in Gjilan to house foreign prisoners who are expected to be deported from Denmark after completing their sentences.

In return, Kosovo will benefit from over 200 million euros, which will be invested in the Correctional Service and renewable energy projects.

This agreement had sparked reactions from international organizations and civil society, which have expressed concerns about the possibility of human rights violations and the challenges that the management of foreign prisoners in Kosovo could bring.

Previously, Kosovo had also sheltered around 1,900 Afghan citizens, who were evacuated from Afghanistan after the Taliban returned to power in 2021.

After two years of operation, the “Liya” camp at the US military base Bondsteel in Ferizaj was closed. According to the Kosovo Ministry of Internal Affairs, most of the Afghans had already been transferred to host countries, while a small number still remain in Kosovo.

According to the agreement between Kosovo and the United States, Afghans would remain in Kosovo until they went through the vetting process to relocate to the US, or another Western country./ REL