In recent years, Albania has witnessed a dramatic acceleration in emigration, surpassing even the mass departures recorded in 2015. According to data from Eurostat, around 49,000 Albanian migrants entered European Union (EU) countries in 2023, a figure similar to 2022. This means that in just two years (2022-2023), nearly 100,000 Albanians left the country—a number that does not even account for those migrating to Greece, a major destination for Albanians.
The 2023 emigration figures exceed those of 2015 when 44,000 Albanians moved to EU countries. While migration trends had declined in the following years, a new wave of departures emerged post-pandemic. Unlike in 2015, when Albanian migration was largely reflected in asylum applications, today’s migration trend is primarily recorded through entry registrations in EU nations.
A Shift in Migration Patterns
One of the most significant differences in recent migration trends is the decline in asylum applications. In 2015, Albanian asylum requests peaked at 68,000. However, in 2022, only 13,000 applications were filed, and in 2023, the number dropped further to 9,145. This suggests that Albanians are now emigrating through other legal channels, primarily family reunifications in Italy and work-based migration to Germany.
Italy and Germany: The Primary Destinations
Italy remains the top destination for Albanian emigrants. In 2023, around 30,000 Albanians moved to Italy, accounting for 62% of the total migration. Similarly, in 2022, approximately 29,000 Albanians settled there. Italy continues to attract a significant number of migrants through family reunifications, though a growing percentage of young Albanians are also relocating there. Data indicates that 59% of Albanian emigrants in 2023 were aged up to 34 years, while 21% were over 50.
Germany follows as the second most popular destination, with 15,000 Albanian migrants recorded in 2022 and 14,000 in 2023. Germany has increasingly attracted young Albanian workers, with 55% of those emigrating in 2023 falling within the 20-34 age group, particularly those aged 25-30. The demand for skilled labor has made Germany a preferred choice for those seeking employment opportunities.
Croatia has emerged as the third most popular destination, drawing over 1,000 Albanian migrants in recent years. The country’s growing demand for workers in construction and tourism has made it an attractive option.
The Undercounted Migration to Greece
Greece, historically one of the primary destinations for Albanian emigrants, does not report its migration data to Eurostat. This omission suggests that the actual number of Albanians emigrating to EU countries is even higher than reported figures indicate.
Migration Trends Across Europe
Eurostat data shows that in 2023, approximately 4.3 million people migrated to the EU from non-EU countries. This figure does not include asylum seekers or Ukrainian refugees under temporary protection. Additionally, 1.5 million people migrated within EU member states. Compared to 2022, the total number of immigrants entering the EU decreased by 17.9%, from 5.3 million to 4.3 million, while intra-EU migration remained stable at 1.5 million.
Overall, the EU had around 10 non-EU immigrants per 1,000 residents in 2023, reflecting the ongoing significance of migration in shaping Europe’s demographic landscape.