A significant milestone has been reached in the ongoing efforts to secure pension rights for hundreds of thousands of Albanian citizens working in Italy. The Albanian-Italian pension agreement, which has been under negotiation for several years, has cleared a crucial hurdle in the Italian Parliament.
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According to a statement by Albanian Socialist Party deputy, Etjen Xhafaj, the agreement, along with the necessary funding allocations, has been approved by both the Italian Senate and the Chamber of Deputies. This development brings Albania one step closer to finalizing the deal, which will benefit over 500,000 Albanian citizens and approximately 4,000 Italians residing in Albania.
Xhafaj expressed his gratitude to all parties involved in the process, highlighting the significance of this achievement for the Albanian diaspora in Italy. The agreement will ensure that Albanian workers who have contributed to Italy's social security system will be eligible for pensions upon retirement.
Key Provisions of the Agreement:
Pension Benefits: The agreement covers pensions for old age, disability, and survivors, as well as benefits for sickness and unemployment.
Financial Allocations: The Italian government has committed significant funding to support the implementation of the agreement, with annual allocations increasing over the next several years.
Bilateral Cooperation: The agreement signifies strengthened bilateral cooperation between Albania and Italy in the field of social security.
Broader Implications:
This development is expected to have a profound impact on the lives of thousands of Albanian emigrants and their families. By securing their pension rights, these individuals will have greater financial security in their retirement years. Additionally, the agreement will strengthen the ties between Albania and Italy and further promote cooperation in various fields.
Looking Ahead:
The final step in the process is the approval of the agreement in a plenary session of the Italian Parliament. Once this is completed, the Albanian and Italian governments can begin implementing the necessary measures to ensure that eligible individuals can claim their pensions.