UNMIK/PR/175
Pristina - On 27 February, more than 50 recruits took part in a graduation ceremony marking their successful completion of a rigorous, two-week training program required to become a customs officer for UNMIK. The graduates bring the total number of professionals in the Customs Service working throughout Kosovo to approximately 100.
Ian Fletcher, Director General of Customs of Kosovo told the graduates that "The services you provide will allow the continuation of the collection of revenue sources crucial to support the provision of basic public services, such as health and education, to the people of Kosovo. .
UNMIK Customs began operating in Kosovo in September 1999. Recruitment for local customs officers began in October 1999. The first job announcements resulted in over 1100 applications from which only 25 candidates were selected. The second wave of recruitment began in January 2000 in anticipation of an increase in the number of tax collection points, and 28 candidates were selected. Candidates received on-the-job training in addition to the more formal training provided in the two-week program. Of the new recruits, close to 30% are women.
UNMIK Customs operates at two internationally recognized border crossing points with Albania and Macedonia. On 21 February, 2000, a tax collection point was also established at the administrative boundary line between Montenegro and Kosovo.
All training providing to customs officers are based on internationally recognized standards.
Customs revenues account for the bulk of income currently to the Kosovo Consolidated Fund of the Kosovo Budget.