The implementation of Kosovo’s Law on Foreigners and the Law on Vehicles has sparked growing concern among Albanians from the Preševa Valley, particularly those from Presheva, Bujanoc, and Medvegja, many of whom live and work temporarily in Prishtina.
Affected citizens fear that the enforcement of these laws could lead to increased discrimination and significant legal and practical challenges in their daily lives. Political representatives and local voices from the region are now calling on Kosovo’s government to exclude them from these measures and ensure equal treatment and freedom of movement.
Fatlind Azizi, a resident of Presheva who has lived and worked in Prishtina for nearly a decade, highlighted the bureaucratic obstacles he has faced. Despite applying six times for permanent residency, he remains without long-term status. He warns that the new vehicle regulations could further complicate his situation, as registering his car in Kosovo would require obtaining a Kosovo driver’s license—potentially triggering the loss of his Serbian license and risking the “passivization” of his address in Serbia.
Such a scenario, he argues, could leave individuals effectively stateless, unable to secure legal residency in either country. “You live here, contribute to society, and yet you are still treated as a foreigner,” Azizi said, expressing frustration over what he sees as unequal treatment compared to other foreign nationals.
The new regulations, which came into force on March 15, require individuals without Kosovo documentation to obtain residence permits, while vehicles with foreign plates can only circulate for up to three months unless special authorization is granted.
Local leaders have also voiced concern. Arbër Pajaziti warned that enforcing these measures on Preševa Valley residents could trigger a rise in address passivization cases by Serbian authorities, particularly for those who frequently travel between Kosovo and their hometowns. He stressed that many residents operate businesses or maintain family ties across the border, making daily movement essential.
Similarly, Enkel Rexhepi has reportedly requested a meeting with Kosovo institutions to address the issue, with discussions expected to take place soon in Prishtina.
Critics argue that applying these laws uniformly risks deepening discrimination, especially when exceptions or facilitation measures have been discussed for other communities. They are urging Kosovo authorities to adopt a more flexible and inclusive approach that reflects the unique position of Albanians from the Preševa Valley.
Meanwhile, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti acknowledged that the laws could impact a significant number of individuals from southern Serbia but emphasized that it is not in Kosovo’s interest to hinder access to essential services. He noted that implementation would aim to avoid disrupting healthcare and education services, particularly those connected to parallel structures funded by Serbia.
As the situation develops, the controversy highlights broader tensions around legal status, mobility, and identity for Albanians living between Kosovo and Serbia—issues that remain unresolved despite ongoing dialogue efforts.
