Migration governance and migrant workers’ rights

Migrant workers need clear recruitment terms, understandable contracts and somewhere to turn when their rights are at risk. ECMI Kosovo works with public bodies, employers and civil society on these questions. Our cooperation with GIZ on behalf of BMZ, through the Shaping Development-Oriented Migration programme (MEG), brought training, civil-society support and guidance together under Strengthening Migration Governance and Civil Society Capacities in Kosovo.

Recruitment, contracts and the people responsible

On 13 January 2025, ECMI invited civil-society organisations and public bodies to its migration-governance training programme. The curriculum covered ethical recruitment, transparency and monitoring of employment contracts, migrant workers’ rights, and advocacy on working conditions. Simulations and case studies were part of the training design, helping participants apply these topics to situations involving workers, employers, recruitment agencies and responsible authorities.

The work addresses the gap between a formal employment offer and what a worker understands and experiences. Contract clarity, information in an accessible language and coordination between organisations and public bodies are central concerns.

Civil-society support with a local purpose

Our micro-grant call opened on 21 July 2025, offering grants of up to €5,000 for rights-based civil-society projects. It combined funding opportunities with help in project planning, proposal writing and financial management. Priorities included monitoring labour conditions, legal or psychosocial support, advocacy and gender-sensitive approaches, with attention to women migrant workers.

One example is Work with Dignity for Migrant Workers in Lipjan, implemented by the Youth Association for Human Rights (YAHR) through this support. On 14 November 2025, YAHR presented its research on migrant workers’ working conditions in discussions with the Municipality of Lipjan, Kosovo Police and civil-society representatives. The work brought local evidence into discussion with those able to respond.

Guidance people can use

The Handbook for Foreign Workers in the Republic of Kosovo explains rights, obligations, procedures and the roles of the bodies involved in employment and migration. Its English edition is available to download. This guidance sits alongside our wider work on livelihoods, socioeconomic reintegration and access to services.