Foreigners living in Kosovo whose residence permits expired after 24 March will be able to extend their legal residence through simplified procedures, Shaban Guda, the Director of the Border Department of the Kosovo Police has told BIRN.

For those who have been unable to reapply for their temporary residence permit as a result of the closure of public institutions in March, said Guda, their residence cards will continue to be valid.

According to the decision which was taken from previous Kurti led government, those with ID cards that expired after 24 March will be able to cross Kosovo borders provided they present identity documents necessary for border crossings, such as a passport or ID card. However, it is still necessary for individuals whose permits have expired to apply for continued residence if they wish to re-enter Kosovo.

Provided they can present a certificate issued by the MIA evidencing the fact that they have applied for an extension to their residence permit, they will be able to re-enter the country after crossing the border. This rule will apply until the government takes a follow-up decision, Guda stated.