OSCE: We are closely monitoring developments related to the law on foreigners

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo stated in a response to Kosovo Online that it is closely monitoring developments related to the adoption of the Law on Foreigners as part of Kosovo’s legal framework, underscoring the importance of ensuring that the law’s implementation is consistent, fair, and fully aligned with applicable legal standards and human rights norms.

When asked whether the law could adversely affect the Serbian community in Kosovo, the OSCE Mission noted in its written reply that the measures and procedures stemming from the law should be clearly defined, applied in a predictable and consistent manner, and communicated in a timely and accessible way.
“The Mission welcomes the steps taken by the competent institutions to inform the public to date and emphasizes the importance of further strengthening awareness and understanding among all communities in Kosovo that will be affected by the law. This includes ensuring that information on rights, obligations, procedures, and implementation deadlines is made available through inclusive and targeted outreach,” the OSCE Mission in Kosovo said.
The Mission added that it encourages continued dialogue and cooperation between the authorities and affected communities in order to achieve a shared understanding and consensus.
Alongside the decision on vehicles, the Law on Foreigners has raised concerns within the Serbian community due to the potential impact it may have on everyday life. For this reason, its implementation—initially scheduled to begin on 15 January—has been postponed until 15 March, during which time an information campaign will be conducted.
Although adopted back in 2013, observers have recently reiterated—in an analysis published by Kosovo Online—their concern that the latest intention of the authorities in Pristina could further complicate the lives of both Serbs living in Kosovo and those coming to Kosovo for work or education.
Under the Law on Foreigners, citizens who do not hold Kosovo citizenship are considered foreigners and are required to register their stay with the Kosovo Police, while the Law on Vehicles stipulates that driving under an authorization will no longer be permitted if the driver does not have residence in the country in which the vehicle is registered.