North Mitrovica, April 22, 2026 – NGO CASA held a public forum at the Center for Civic Energy (CEC) with residents of northern Kosovo to discuss ongoing challenges in accessing personal documentation under the Law on Foreigners. This forum represents the first public meeting with citizens on this issue since the full implementation of the law began.
The forum is part of CASA’s monitoring work on the implementation of the law in practice. Participants reported a range of systemic issues that, in their view, significantly hinder access to rights and create legal uncertainty.
Lack of uniform procedures across the four northern municipalities
Residents highlighted a lack of uniform procedures across the four northern municipalities, noting that identical administrative processes often require different sets of documents depending on the municipality or even the individual officer handling the case. In several instances, participants reported receiving conflicting instructions within the same institution. They also noted that, with the exception of one municipality, required documentation frequently differs from official procedures and guidelines published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Participants further raised concerns over excessive administrative burdens, including repeated requirements for apostille stamps and notarized documents, which significantly increase costs. Many described the process as lengthy, costly, and unclear, often requiring multiple visits to institutions and extended waiting periods.
A number of participants stated that they have been attempting to obtain civil status in Kosovo for years, in some cases over a decade, without success. Particular concern was expressed regarding youth aged 14–18, for whom no clear procedure appears to exist, while adults over 18 are in some cases treated as foreigners despite having a potential legal basis for civil status through their parents.
Three-month deadline for completing procedures using Serbian-issued ID cards considered as unrealistic
Concerns were also raised regarding the three-month deadline for completing procedures using Serbian identity cards issued for cities in Kosovo, which participants consider unrealistic given existing administrative barriers. Some reported being informed that their current identification documents may no longer be accepted, for example, in cases of renewing temporary residence permits,requiring them to obtain documents in Serbia, an option many said is not accessible to them.
Additional issues included refusal decisions in previous years issued only in Albanian, delayed delivery of decisions affecting appeal rights, non-acceptance of MTS mobile numbers (despite official registration in Kosovo), and general lack of clarity among officials regarding applicable procedures.
Verbal decision-making without record-keeping as an obstacle to effective legal protection
Verbal decisions without proper registration remain a key concern, as most applicants do not receive written confirmations of submitted requests. In some cases, individuals are not even allowed to submit applications or have them officially recorded, leaving the legal basis for decisions unclear and preventing access to legal remedies. A positive development was noted in procedures for temporary residence permits, where written confirmations are increasingly being issued.
Impact on the most vulnerable
Participants also emphasized the human impact of these challenges, particularly for families without regulated civil status, single mothers, including those with minor children. Concerns were raised about difficulties in proving extra-marital family relations in and the risk of family separation or deportation, especially in cases involving undocumented mothers.
CASA stated that these findings will be included in its next monitoring report on the implementation of the Law on Foreigners, together with detailed analysis and recommendations aimed at improving consistency, transparency, and legal certainty in administrative practice.
NOTE: A full report from the forum with detailed findings is available HERE.
Supported by UNMIK.
