Montenegro Cancels Residency for 19 Foreign Nationals Amid Crackdown

The Montenegrin police have cancelled residency permits for 19 foreign nationals as part of an ongoing operation aimed at enforcing immigration laws. This action is part of a broader initiative known as “Stranac,” which translates to “Foreigner,” designed to ensure compliance with residency and employment regulations across the country.

According to the Police Administration, the operation has seen the initiation of proceedings to terminate temporary residency for five additional individuals. In total, authorities have filed 90 misdemeanour charges and issued 23 return decisions since the beginning of the year. The police reported that three individuals were forcibly removed from the country, while another three were expelled.

Increased Enforcement Actions

Officials from the Police Administration stated that enhanced efforts to control the legality of foreign nationals’ movement and residency have resulted in 143 enforcement measures taken against various foreign nationals. This includes a significant number of actions taken since January 2025, with reports indicating that a total of 8,672 misdemeanour charges have been filed.

The authorities have also issued 1,333 return decisions and forcibly removed 170 individuals from Montenegro. Notably, the residency of 1,576 individuals has been cancelled, highlighting the government’s commitment to regulating foreign presence within its borders.

The ongoing crackdown reflects Montenegro’s broader strategy to manage immigration and ensure that all foreign residents comply with national laws. As the government continues to implement these policies, it remains focused on maintaining a lawful and orderly environment for both citizens and residents.