Gerxhaliu: Kosovo remains without a workforce, the exodus is yet to follow starting January 1st

In recent years, Kosovo has become "import-dependent" on workers coming from Turkey, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, and other countries, because the local workforce is leaving for abroad, and this problem could potentially escalate after January 1st with the implementation of visa liberalization for EU countries, economic expert Safet Gerxhaliu warns.

As Gerxhaliu points out to Kosovo Online, the young population is leaving Kosovo the most, not only those who are unemployed or in a difficult social situation but also the educated ones, leaving the private sector without a workforce.

"The worst part is that, in addition to being import-dependent for various products and services, we are now import-dependent for labor. According to some unofficial data, we have employees from Turkey, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India. If this trend continues, their number will increase every year. Considering that we will have visa liberalization from January, I am afraid that we will have a significant exodus in the short term, as a large number of young people will try to go to the West and find jobs," Gerxhaliu said.

The biggest problem, he emphasizes, is that young people from Kosovo are leaving after finishing high school or college, and among them, there are many from the medical field - doctors, as well as IT professionals.

"From Kosovo, not only those who are unemployed and social cases are leaving, but educated people are leaving too, even families with good incomes and a good life because they are afraid for their future. When it comes to security, safety, healthcare, and education, everyone seeks better conditions. This is a significant problem: what will happen to the private sector in the future, especially when it comes to economic development planning, how will it be achieved through importing a workforce, or how will economic development be achieved when we export high-quality and educated labor force?" Gerxhaliu wonders.

He claims that people from Kosovo primarily go to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, but also to Slovenia, Italy, and Croatia...

"Europe is aging, it needs a new labor force, and in that context, unfortunately, due to political instability and everything happening in this region, the Western Balkan countries have become 'escape countries', and this is the best service we can do to develop EU and European countries," Gerxhaliu said.

Despite warnings from experts that there will be a massive exodus of workers, Gerxhaliu claims that no one has realized the seriousness of the situation.

"In this context, we must learn one thing – better safe than sorry. If we had economic development at a desirable level, if we had education tailored to the labor market needs, and foreign investments, we certainly wouldn't be where we are now. There are big challenges ahead, but I hope that young people will understand that Europe is no longer what it used to be, that they will try that 'forbidden fruit', and that they will return here someday because you should build a perspective where you are, not where you wish to be," Gerxhaliu emphasized.