Migrants Who Enter/Stay Irregularly in Albania

Immigration is quite a sensitive topic for the world nowadays and for Albania in particular its management is a challenge closely related to its efforts towards full integration in the EU. In 2016 Albania must meet clear legal and institutional standards as described in many EU founding treaties, directives and regulations, in the face of migratory flows from Greece and Macedonia, which created many difficulties related to the accommodation and selection/registration procedures. This paper will provide an analysis of the country’s capacities in handling the phenomenon and the key challenges it needs to address and manage. Primary data were collected from the following activities: meeting with immigration officials at various levels, brainstorming sessions focusing on the key legal and institutional issues; field assessment of procedure applications and periodical monitoring. Many immigrants come from EU borders (Greece) and non-EU borders (Macedonia), to use Albania as transit towards other EU countries such as Germany. This is valid for both asylum seeker fleeing wars and economic immigrants. There are also cases of human trafficking of people against their will and unaccompanied minors. Albanian institutions have been capable to provide adequate treatment of immigrants with the assistance of UN bodies and funds from the EU, in terms of screening and identification, as well as offering temporary humanitarian support (food, shelter and medical assistance). The role of State Police is crucial, in its collaboration with Frontex in complying with EU border and immigration rules. Albanian institutions have improved significantly in their handling of migratory flows, however, their capacity building needs support in key areas such as identification of types of immigrants (interpreters, motives, legal status) and their accommodation in adequate structures to prevent these flows continuing and not serve as a transit route.