NGO Aktiv: Incorrect Serbian-language translation in the Kosovo Ministry of interior’s application

The non-governmental organization Aktiv has pointed out the improper use of the Serbian language in the application of the Kosovo Ministry of Internal Affairs through which citizens are expected to report their address, in connection with the implementation of the laws on foreigners and vehicles. In a statement, the organization emphasized that, given the numerous earlier warnings, this cannot be considered a technical problem, and therefore called on the Kosovo Ministry of Internal Affairs to align the Serbian-language translation in the application, as well as all official announcements, with the Law on the Use of Languages.

“Less than 24 hours before the full implementation of the laws on foreigners and vehicles, the Kosovo Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Kosovo Police launched an application for registering the address of foreign nationals. This move comes just one day after the announcement of additional temporary measures concerning Serbian students, professors, and healthcare workers. However, in this case as well, the Serbian language in the application is presented incorrectly,” the NGO Aktiv stated in a post published on the social network X.
A short video was also published drawing attention to the translation errors that were identified.
NGO Aktiv further noted that, despite significant budgetary funds and numerous previous warnings, institutions still fail to provide high-quality and accurate translations.
For that reason, the organization believes that such practice cannot be viewed as a technical oversight, but rather as a continuous disregard for the principle of bilingualism and the right of the Serbian community to unhindered access to information of public importance.
They therefore issued a public call to the Kosovo Ministry of Internal Affairs:
“To immediately correct the Serbian-language translation in the application and demonstrate a clear commitment to consistently respecting the Law on the Use of Languages, as well as to ensure that all future publications—including content on websites, social networks, and in public communications—are aligned with the Law on the Use of Languages, so that citizens of the Serbian community can fully understand the information and have equal access to public services.”
Earlier today, the Ministry of Internal Affairs announced that, in cooperation with the Kosovo Police, it had launched an application for registering the address of foreign nationals entering Kosovo.