Illegal migration undermines the visa liberalization process

Prishtina 22. September 2014 – Acting Minister of European Integrations, Mr. Gëzim Kasapolli, met today with the Hungarin Ambassador, Mr. Balla Lóránt.

Acting Minister Mr. Kasapolli, in the meeting with Mr. Balla discussed about the latest developments in Kosovo, current processes in relation to European integrations, initialization of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA), visa liberalization process, as well as illegal migration.

During the meeting, with special emphasis was discussed the common concern of the increasing number of asylum seekers from Kosovo, who have illegally entered the territory of Hungary.

Minister Kasapolli and Hungarian Ambassador Mr. Ball agreed that Kosovans do not qualify for asylum seekers in EU countries since Kosovo is no longer considered as crisis zone where the fundamental rights are infringed to individuals of any gender, ethnic or religious affiliation.

Illegal migration is the biggest  enemy of visa liberalization. All persons that are victims of fraud, trafficking in human beings trying to migrate to EU countries, are jeopardizing their personal safety, spend money unnecessarily and end up in centres for asylum seekers who will in a very short term be repatriated to Kosovo and will be restricted from entering the Schengen area for the next 3-5 years” stated the Acting Minister Gëzim Kasapolli.

Hungarian Ambassador to Kosovo stated that there is a need for close cooperation of Kosovo institutions and Hungary, as well as EU member states, to jointly fight this phenomenon, which is part of the organized crime.

Last modified: August 12, 2022