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According to the most recent official Greek state, the number of Albanian migrants living in Greece continues to decline, but observers note that they are opting to re-migrate to wealthier European nations rather than return to Albania.
According to official data provided by the Greek Ministry of Immigration and Asylum, there were 285,842 Albanian citizens with residence permits in Greece in December 2022. These Albanian citizens account for approximately 60.5% of all foreigners who possess legal residence papers.
When compared to the same data in December 2021, when there were 435,642 Albanians with residence permits in Greece, representing 62.8 percent of all legal resident foreigners, this latest figure is significantly lower—a decrease of almost 150,000 people—than the previous figure.
Numerous factors are cited by observers of Albanian migration to Greece for the sharp decline.
While a group of second-generation Albanians in Greece have recently obtained Greek citizenship and are no longer included in the total number of foreign residents, the processes for issuing new residence permits continue to move slowly.
However, analysts claim that a dynamic movement of migrants who worked and lived in Greece for a long time and moved on to wealthier European nations is a major contributor to the decline in Albanians in Greece.
Greece continues to struggle with its prolonged economic crisis, rising living costs, and stagnant wages. Greeks and Albanians alike are seeking better employment opportunities in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia.