Publication: International Migration in Albania: Results from the 2024 Albania Household Migration Survey
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2025-12-13
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2025-12-17
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Albania is a country with a highly mobile population and has one of the largest diasporas in Europe. More than one-third of the Albanian population is currently living abroad. The primary driver of emigration are the large wage differentials with main destination countries. Albania has the lowest average wages in the Western Balkans. Migration generates substantial economic benefits for Albania. However, migration has also exacerbated demographic challenges, putting pressure on the supply of labor. Sectors most affected include production, mining, construction, services, and agro-processing. Projections in the report indicate labor shortages will worsen through 2030, particularly for low-skilled jobs. Albania has developed its legal and institutional framework to effectively manage migration flows and support its mobile population, but challenges remain. The report proposes transforming Albania’s approach through a “globAL” workforce concept. Rather than viewing emigrants as lost resources, this vision recognizes that the population abroad remains connected and can contribute to development in multiple ways - through physical return, remittances, remote knowledge transfer, business networks, diaspora investments, trade connections, and international collaboration. The “globAL” workforce framework acknowledges that migrants ‘return’ in diverse forms—some physically, others through capital and knowledge flows, and many by maintaining simultaneous connections to Albania and host countries. Showcasing international examples, the report highlights the potential of this broader approach.
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“World Bank. 2025. International Migration in Albania: Results from the 2024 Albania Household Migration Survey. © World Bank. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/44087 License: CC BY-NC 3.0 IGO.”
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