Content

A project by Office for Foreign Affairs

Project HOME – Shaping Migration sustainably in Kosovo

Project HOME strengthens migration governance in Kosovo, promotes diaspora investment, and lays the foundation for sustainable (re-)integration – making a direct contribution to the stabilisation and development of regions of origin.

With one of the highest emigration rates worldwide, Kosovo faces complex challenges in the field of migration. Return migration, transit migration, and labour migration are on the rise, while institutional and legal frameworks for (re-)integration and the utilisation of diaspora potential remain insufficient.

This is precisely where Project HOME comes in: building on the insights and successes of its predecessor project MARDI, it goes a step further by systematically establishing the foundations for a long-term, nationally coordinated migration management system. During a six-month inception phase, legal and policy frameworks will be analysed, ten partner municipalities selected, and the diaspora’s willingness to invest assessed. The aim is to develop a well-founded implementation plan for a multi-year follow-up project that strengthens Kosovo’s integration capacity and strategically channels migration potential.

Through close cooperation with local and national stakeholders and the promotion of participatory approaches, ownership is fostered and sustainable implementation ensured. The project thus makes a direct contribution to Liechtenstein’s International Humanitarian and Development Strategy (IHDS) and to addressing the root causes of irregular migration.

Project goals

Improving coordination between stakeholders at national and local levels

Strengthening diaspora engagement in economic and social development

Increasing planning reliability and coherence of future migration measures in Kosovo

The project is therefore making a sustainable contribution to stabilising the region of origin, strengthening governance and community structures and promoting voluntary return and reintegration - all key concerns of Liechtenstein's IHCD strategy.

Special features of the project

Strategic Advancement: HOME builds on the experiences of MARDI but goes beyond isolated measures, aiming to develop a comprehensive, evidence-based migration concept for Kosovo.

Systematic Analysis and Planning: The inception phase focuses on assessing and evaluating institutional, legal, and political frameworks – as a basis for a long-term follow-up project.

Diaspora as Development Partner: The diaspora is engaged not only as a financial resource but as an active partner in Kosovo’s economic and social development – with a focus on investment and knowledge exchange.

Anchoring in National Structures: By selecting relevant municipalities and involving state actors, implementation is locally anchored and the sustainability of the project is ensured.