Shahini: Half a million citizens traveled from Kosovo this year, 90 percent returned

The President of the Kosovo Business Alliance, Agim Shahini, emphasizes that in the year visa liberalization took effect, half a million citizens traveled from Kosovo for various reasons, but nearly 90 percent of them have returned.

Shahini highlights that visa liberalization is highly significant for the citizens of Kosovo, as it has enabled them to travel to EU countries without additional visa costs.

"According to our data, more than half a million people left Kosovo. These include tourists, workers, students, patients, and others. Nearly 90 percent of them have returned. This was not possible in 2023. It is progress. Progress should also be made with other countries. Starting January 1, Kosovo will abolish visas with Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, that country still believes we should not be allowed to travel using only ID cards. For example, we have many issues with Serbia, yet we travel using ID cards," Shahini said.

Visa liberalization has not caused a mass exodus of citizens, Shahini says, adding that while many left in search of work, most have returned. However, he notes, the largest number of departures were for tourism purposes.

"Many of our citizens left in search of work, some tried working illegally, others legally, and many found jobs. Citizens primarily traveled as tourists or to visit relatives, but they returned," Shahini emphasized.

According to him, before visa liberalization, Kosovo citizens spent over 20 million euros on visas.