Over recent years, Vlora, a popular city on Albania’s coastline, has undergone a significant transformation in its tourism sector. As the demand for tourism services grows, so does the need for a larger workforce—one that increasingly relies on foreign workers. This shift is evidenced by a notable rise in foreign applications for residence permits, with more than 2,000 foreign nationals having applied for unique residence permits in Vlora alone, as reported by Algert Harizi, a journalist at Euronews Albania. However, some applications are denied due to incomplete or insufficient documentation.
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| Employment office in Vlora |
The demand for residence permits has tripled in the first ten months of this year, indicating a sharp increase in the number of foreigners seeking employment opportunities in Vlora. According to Gjinovefa Xhori, a migration specialist in the city, these applications are mostly processed during the approval phase for work-related documentation, which is essential for obtaining the unique residence permit.
Increased Applications from Diverse Countries
The majority of applicants come from countries such as Turkey, Egypt, Myanmar, and Uganda. This influx aligns with the peak of the tourist season, as many foreigners apply for short-term residence permits to capitalize on the job openings in Vlora’s tourism industry during the busy summer months.
“The peak application period has been between May and August, with July and August seeing the highest volume of applications,” Xhori explained. Most of these applications are for employment in sectors like tourism, textiles, construction, and fishing. Still, a portion of applicants fail to meet the legal criteria and documentation requirements, leading to rejections.
A Solution to the Workforce Shortage
With local businesses struggling to find a sufficient local workforce, many have turned to foreign labor as a solution. This shift has driven up the number of applications for unique residence permits, making Vlora an emerging hub for foreign employment opportunities in Albania. By seeking foreign workers, the city aims to meet the growing demands of its tourism and other industries, ensuring a stable supply of labor during the critical summer season.
This trend highlights the evolving structure of Vlora's tourism industry, as the city adapts to both national and international labor dynamics to maintain its position as a vibrant destination on the Adriatic coast.