Albania is no longer on the wish list. Asylum seekers are decreasing, as are applicants for citizenship. Even foreigners are fleeing – without stopping.
Not only by Albanians... Albania is also being abandoned by foreigners. From over 6 thousand in 2019, last year there were only 104 asylum requests. Compared to 2023, asylum requests have been halved.
The majority of them are from Afghanistan, followed in turn by Syria and Pakistan.
"We have several factors. First, Albania is no longer part of the priority migration routes. The lack of a clear strategy for the integration of foreigners and the perception of political, administrative or economic uncertainty have had a significant impact," says Armela Xhaho, a researcher on migration issues.
In recent years, the Albanian passport had become an alternative for many citizens from third countries, for practical, cultural reasons or simply to have an additional document for freer movement. But this trend has changed. According to official data, the number of foreigners applying for Albanian citizenship is decreasing – not only through marriage or extended stay, but also for special categories such as investors or former Albanian citizens seeking repatriation. Their number is only 919 from 1 thousand 382 in 2023.
"The reasons are numerous: from the lack of concrete incentives, to the political climate, procedural delays or even the lack of institutional promotion for attracting foreigners. At a time when some countries in the region offer clear models for attracting the diaspora or foreign professionals, Albania seems to have been left without a clear strategy in this regard as well," emphasizes Xhaho.
Last year, 1,540 irregular migrants were caught, mainly in the south-east of the country, in Saranda and Korça. Data from the Department of Borders and Migration shows that compared to 2023, the number of refugees from the Middle East and North Africa has decreased by 77 percent.
Although declining, flows show that Albania continues to be considered a "land of unrest."
"They are transiting through Albania. They are not seeking asylum. They want to flee to the West. That is where their intended destination is. And mainly at the Kapshtica-Kakavija border. This is a different trend from previous years. Previously, they were usually caught within the territory of Albania," she adds.
Migrants, mainly from Syria, Morocco, Algeria and other economically poor or conflict-ridden countries, enter the country through the border crossings with Greece. They then try to head for the "Balkan Route" through the north of the country to settle in the "West". (graphic map) Since 2016 until the end of the last year, almost 70 thousand irregular migrants have been caught at border crossings and inside the country's territory.
(A2 Televizion)
A2 CNN Livestream
MUND TE LEXONI GJITHASHTU
