The rate of emigration of Kosovo citizens continues to be high, although not in alarming numbers. However, the challenge for central and local institutions remains the sustainable reintegration of returned citizens from the great wave of emigration in 2014/15. The drafting of schemes and policies related to the reintegration process of returnees has been hastened and not well thought out, while Kosovo’s capacity to integrate returnees has not been thoroughly analyzed.
As a result, during the discussion special attention was paid to the lack of information methods, the criteria set to benefit from the schemes, and the impact that these have in losing trust in the process of sustainable reintegration. Generally, the panelists and participants agreed that Kosovo should tackle the root of the problem in order to understand the exact reasons for the latest wave of emigration, and to compile policies accordingly from this perspective.
The Panel was composed of: Vlora Limani Hajnuni, Head of the Municipal Commission for Reintegration; Radmila Simeunovic, Head of the Municipal Office for Communities and Return, as well as Makfirete Shamolli, Director of the Center for Social Work. The salon was moderated by Ylber Reçica, Public Organization for Local Initiatives and Supports (POLIS), while the editorial will be written by Vjollca Qeriqi, Kosovo Justice Institute (IKD).
The Tuesday Salon, with a focus on the topic: “Did Municipalities enable sustainable reintegration for returnees?” was held on 29th of January 2019, in the Municipality of Lipjan.
This activity is supported by GIZ/DIMAK
