Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation between Albanian and Kosovar Readmission Authorities
Prishtina 18-19 July – IOM Albania and IOM Kosovo facilitated a joint meeting in Prishtina on 18-19 July, aimed at fostering stronger ties between Albanian and Kosovar readmission authorities.
During the meeting, the delegations from Albania and Kosovo* discussed various important topics in the field of readmission with neighboring countries, including the current migration legal framework, the prevailing trends in migration flows, existing challenges associated with repatriating third-country nationals to their respective home or transit countries, the pressing concerns regarding unaccompanied minors and exchanged of experiences regarding cooperation with countries of origin.
Heading the delegations were Mrs. Alma Mele, Director for Migration and Anti-Trafficking Policies in the Ministry of Interior of The Republic of Albania, and Mr. Valon Krasniqi, Director of the Department for Citizenship, Asylum, and Migration in the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kosovo*. Both leaders underlined the existing cooperation between the two countries in the migration and readmission domain. They pointed out the significance of the bilateral meeting in further strengthening these ties and sharing valuable experiences and best practices.
The discussions extended to the modalities aimed at advancing cooperation in preventing and managing irregular migration. Additionally, the two delegations explored the topics of Alternative Reception facilities and the capacities for migrants in both countries, voluntary assisted returns and integration packages that are offered from IOM in both countries.
The two-day event was concluded with a visit to the Reception and Detention centers for migrants in Vranidoll-Pristina. Here, the Albanian delegation had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the legal framework and operational procedures in place, while exchanging experiences with their counterparts.
This meeting was organized under Western Balkans Readmission Capacity Building Facility #WBCAP that aims to contribute to enhanced national migration management and readmission systems in the Western Balkans and strengthened cooperation with relevant countries of origin and EU Member States on readmission.
