Enforcement matters are being handled more easily as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has been visible in enforcement matters as in any other activity, while bailiffs in Kosovo have responded to this situation by creating favorable facilities for debtors. However, various complaints have been raised by individuals, and the handling of the same will be done in sessions with alternative forms without physical contact. These were said, among other things, during a virtual forum organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo in cooperation with the USAID Commercial Justice Program, where the handling of enforcement matters during the COVID-19 pandemic was discussed.
Feride Podvorica, head of the division for supervision of the implementation of legislation at the Ministry of Justice, said that in such a period of crisis when the development of all activities is at risk, it is important to respect protective measures to prevent the spread of the pandemic. Podvorica added that the International Union of Bailiffs, in which Kosovo has the role of observer member, has called through a document to limit enforcement measures, in order to alleviate financial difficulties for citizens as little as possible. She emphasized that based on this call, enforcement issues in Kosovo have also been treated with facilitations, considering that the main criterion on which the union is based is the need for human and moral consideration in the face of an unprecedented situation.
Arben Gashi, president of the Chamber of Private Bailiffs of Kosovo, stressed that the institution he heads has been in constant contact with the Ministry of Justice regarding the decisions taken during this time. Gashi said that all activities of bailiffs have been reviewed, which can continue to operate without endangering public health. He added that in cooperation with all relevant bodies, a decision has been made that salaries and pensions for the month of March should not be debited for the account of bailiff cases. In accordance with this decision, it has been requested that the blocked accounts of citizens be temporarily released, allowing the withdrawal of salaries without unblocking the accounts. According to him, this decision aims to ensure the well-being of citizens during this period of crisis.
Elbasan Dervishaj, head of the liberal professions department at the Ministry of Justice, stated that bailiffs are willing to respond to citizens' questions and complaints about their accounts or even about notaries and notarial acts, mentioning that bailiffs and relevant departments have kept their doors open for citizens who have had urgent requests. Dervishaj added that so far the complaints they have received have not been from businesses but from individuals, 10 of which have been initiated in the disciplinary commission and are now awaiting the convening of hearings which, despite the difficulties caused by the pandemic, will be held in alternative forms, where the relevant parties can be heard but not be endangered by direct physical contact.
