A significant surge in the number of Albanian citizens being forcibly returned from European Union member states has been reported in recent months. According to data released by the European Union's statistical office, Eurostat, approximately 4,000 Albanian nationals with irregular residency status were compelled to leave EU countries in the first half of this year following deportation orders.
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| One of the moments when 30 Albanian immigrants return from France |
The Albanian Interior Ministry has also confirmed these findings, revealing that an additional 1,120 Albanian citizens with irregular residency status and criminal convictions were repatriated from the United Kingdom. These figures highlight a growing trend of increased migration enforcement actions targeting Albanians across the EU.
EU authorities have indicated that a substantial majority of these returns were carried out involuntarily, with individuals being escorted back to Albania by law enforcement officials from both their home country and the EU member state in question. Eurostat data further breaks down these returns, showing that over 3,800 Albanians were deported by air or land, while around 650 returned voluntarily. Additionally, approximately 265 individuals were assisted by international organizations in voluntary returns, with support provided for transportation costs.
The Albanian returnees from the UK were subject to 25 separate repatriation operations, all of which involved the cooperation of law enforcement agencies from both countries. These individuals were transported back to Albania by air.
Eurostat data indicates that Greece, France, Germany, and Italy were the primary EU countries from which Albanians were returned. The overall number of Albanian returns to the country has also shown a marked increase compared to the previous year, with nearly 8,135 Albanians being repatriated in 2023.
These figures place Albanians as the second largest group of individuals subject to return migration operations in the EU over the past two years, behind only Georgians. The rising trend of forced returns of Albanian nationals is likely to have significant implications for both Albania and the EU, including challenges related to reintegration and the overall management of migration flows.
What are the Primary Push Factors Driving Albanians to Migrate to the EU?
The surge in Albanian migration to the European Union can be attributed to a complex interplay of factors, both economic and social. Some of the primary push factors driving Albanians to seek opportunities abroad include:
- Economic Hardships: Albania, despite economic progress in recent years, continues to grapple with poverty and unemployment, particularly in rural areas. Limited job prospects and low wages have compelled many Albanians to seek better economic opportunities in the EU.
- Lack of Educational and Employment Opportunities: The Albanian education system, while improving, faces challenges in providing quality education and training that meet the demands of the modern job market. This has limited career prospects for many young Albanians, pushing them to seek alternatives abroad.
- Corruption and Organized Crime: Corruption and organized crime remain significant issues in Albania, hindering economic development and undermining trust in institutions. These factors can create a hostile environment for businesses and individuals, making it difficult to thrive within the country.
- Political Instability: While Albania has made strides towards democracy and stability, political instability and corruption can still affect the country's economic prospects and social cohesion. This can create uncertainty and a sense of insecurity, prompting some Albanians to seek refuge in the EU.
- Family Reunification: Many Albanians migrate to the EU to reunite with family members who have already settled there. This can create a chain migration effect, as established migrants encourage their relatives to join them.
These factors, combined with the perceived benefits of living in the EU, such as better living standards, job opportunities, and access to quality healthcare and education, have contributed to the ongoing migration flows from Albania to the EU. However, the challenges faced by Albanian migrants, including irregular migration, discrimination, and potential exploitation, highlight the complexities of migration and the need for effective policies to address the root causes of this phenomenon.