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| Some of the Afghan families in the refugee camp on the outskirts of Tirana |
In a recent decision during the final meeting of the Council of Ministers for the year 2023, the Albanian government has extended the stay of Afghan nationals who sought refuge in Albania by an additional two months. This decision follows the takeover of power by the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Decision Regarding Amendments to Decision No. 501, Dated 25.8.2021, of the Council of Ministers, "On Granting Temporary Protection to Afghan Nationals and Stateless Persons, with Temporary or Permanent Residence in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, and Establishing the Task Force for Managing the International Protection Seekers' Flow," Amended.
In accordance with Article 100 of the Constitution and Article 82 of Law No. 10/2021, "On Asylum in the Republic of Albania," with the proposal of the Minister of Interior and the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Council of Ministers has decided:
In Decision No. 501, dated 25.8.2021, of the Council of Ministers, as amended, the following additions and changes are made:
a) After item 2/1, item 2/2 is added, with the following content:
"2/2. At the end of the deadline specified in item 2/1 of this decision, individuals still present on the territory of the Republic of Albania will have their stay extended until 24.2.2024."
b) Letter "ç" of item 6 is amended as follows:
"ç) the Minister of Education and Sports;"
c) In item 10, the name "Ministry of Education, Sports, and Youth" is replaced with "Ministry of Education and Sports."
The Ministry of Interior, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, and the Ministry of Finance and Economy are tasked with implementing this decision.
A similar decision has been made to extend the stay in Albania until March for Ukrainian nationals who remained in Albania after the conflict with Russia. Both decisions came into effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette.
Decision Regarding an Amendment to Decision No. 173, Dated 18.3.2022, of the Council of Ministers, "On Granting Temporary Protection to Ukrainian Nationals, Stateless Persons, and Persons Who Have Gained International Protection in Ukraine, with Temporary or Permanent Residence in Ukraine, and Establishing the Task Force for Managing the International Protection Seekers' Flow," Amended.
In accordance with Article 100 of the Constitution and Article 82 of Law No. 10/2021, "On Asylum in the Republic of Albania," with the proposal of the Minister of Interior and the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Council of Ministers has decided:
After item 3/1 of Decision No. 173, dated 18.3.2022, of the Council of Ministers, as amended, item 3/2 is added, with the following content:
"3/2. At the end of the deadline specified in item 3/1 of this decision, individuals still present on the territory of the Republic of Albania will have their stay extended until 17.3.2024."
The Ministry of Interior, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, and the Ministry of Finance and Economy are tasked with implementing this decision.