Igor Simić, a senior figure in the Srpska lista, has alleged that authorities in Prishtina are attempting to “erase” nearly 10,000 Serbs from Kosovo through the planned implementation of the Law on Foreigners, a claim critics say reflects increasingly alarmist rhetoric from Belgrade-backed political actors.
According to Simić, the law—expected to begin implementation on March 15—could lead to thousands of Serbs being treated as foreigners because they do not possess documents issued by Kosovo institutions.
Claims Over Documentation
Speaking to Tanjug, Simić claimed that 5,291 people in northern Kosovo and more than 2,200 living south of the Ibar River lack documentation issued by authorities in Prishtina.
He argued that many residents cannot obtain such documents because the institutions allegedly refuse to issue them, leaving them exposed to legal consequences under the new legislation.
Warnings of Wider Consequences
Simić further claimed that the law could paralyze the functioning of Serbian-run institutions, including healthcare facilities, universities and other educational institutions operating in Kosovo.
He said the sectors of education and healthcare, employing around 20,000 people, are crucial for the Serbian community, adding that between 110,000 and 115,000 Serbs depend on these systems.
Appeal to International Actors
Simić stated that representatives of Srpska lista have raised the issue with international officials based in Brussels and Washington, D.C., calling on the European Union to intervene.
However, the EU has previously indicated that it supports Kosovo’s efforts to ensure that all individuals residing in its territory are properly registered in accordance with local laws.
Ongoing Political Dispute
Simić argued that the matter is a political issue that should be resolved through the EU-facilitated dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo in Brussels, adding that the Serbian side will continue to raise concerns with international representatives.
