Kosovo to Host US-Deported Migrants: Examining the Deal and Its Implications

Kosovo has agreed to host 50 migrants deported from the United States. The agreement has sparked debate about its benefits and potential drawbacks. The US State Department expressed gratitude to Kosovo for accepting third-country nationals. Anu Prattipati, the Chargé d'Affaires at the US Embassy in Kosovo, praised the move, highlighting Kosovo as the first European country to announce it would accept such migrants. This agreement is seen by some as a form of bilateral cooperation, rather than a transformative moment for Kosovo's international standing. Critics point out that such agreements may not significantly improve broader relations, especially if underlying political disagreements persist. Similar arrangements, like the EU-Turkey deal on Syrian refugees, have not necessarily led to improved relations. Human Rights Watch has urged the UK and EU not to use the Balkans as a "warehouse for migrants." Concerns have been raised about the potential for legal insecurity for migrants, who may not have ties to the host country. There are also worries about arbitrary detention and limited access to legal aid. Kosovo previously hosted around 1,900 Afghan citizens who were evacuated from Afghanistan in 2021. In 2022, Kosovo and Denmark agreed on the lease of 300 prison cells to house foreign prisoners awaiting deportation from Denmark. Kosovo will receive over 200 million euros for this, to be invested in the Correctional Service and renewable energy projects. The first prisoners from Denmark are expected to be transferred in early 2027.