Just days after President Vjosa Osmani confirmed that Kosovo is open to discussions with the United Kingdom regarding centers for illegal migrants heading to the UK, the caretaker government has also expressed its willingness to engage in dialogue.
Government spokesperson Përparim Kryeziu stated that Kosovo wants to assist its “friend, partner, and ally”:
“We believe it is fair to say that discussions on this topic can begin, but all our national institutions must be involved, and the final decision will depend on their recommendations. Many questions will need answers in advance,” he told Koha.
The UK is reportedly aiming to establish “return centers” in other countries as part of its strategy to reduce the rising number of illegal migrants arriving on its shores.
According to The Times, Britain is expected to ask Kosovo to accept migrants as part of its plans for offshore asylum centers. Kosovo is reportedly among nine potential countries considered for these facilities, where migrants would be held pending deportation after their asylum appeals are rejected.
Other countries from the region under consideration include Serbia, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
While there have been no official negotiations yet, UK ministers reportedly hope to make progress before hosting Western Balkan leaders in London this fall, where illegal migration is expected to top the agenda.
The UK had initially hoped Albania would accept rejected asylum seekers, but Prime Minister Edi Rama publicly rejected the idea last week.
British government sources cited by The Times consider Kosovo a potential location due to its position along major routes used by illegal migrants traveling toward the EU. Nearly 22,000 people are believed to have used the Western Balkans route to enter the EU in the past year, according to UK data.
Meanwhile, other European countries like Italy, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland are also reportedly exploring offshore solutions to manage illegal migration.
