Conference on the Impact of Visa Liberalization: Challenges and Opportunities for Business in Kosova

In early December 2023, a conference on the Impact of Visa Liberalization on the Challenges and Opportunities for Businesses in Kosova was organized by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) in collaboration with the Kosovarisch-Deutsche Wirtschaftsvereinigung (KDWV), IOM Kosovo, and Kantar. The focus of the conference was on the effects of regular migration and labor force mobility on the Kosovar economy. Opening remarks were delivered by Nora Hasani, Executive Director of the KDWV, Anna Rostocka, Chief of Mission at IOM Kosovo, and Hakan Ejdervik from the EU Office in Kosova.

Led by Egzon Osmanaj, Program Manager at the FES Kosova Office, the first panel focused on visa liberalization and labor mobility. Panelists including Visar Berisha from Kantar Kosova, Vjosa Huruglica-Vranovci from Advantage Austria Kosovo, Donika Karaxha from Sutherland, and Fisnik Rexhepi from IOM Kosovo contributed their perspectives and presentations.

The second panel, moderated by Sarah McGregor from IOM Kosovo, addressed the economic implications and labor mobility in Kosova. Panelists, including Rudina Nallbani from the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Arion Rizaj, CEO of Kosova Job, Alban Hashani, Executive Director of the Riinvest Institute, and Ramadan Islami, Project Manager at GIZ, focused on potential advantages and disadvantages of migration and provided recommendations for Kosova's adaptation to the early phase of visa liberalization.