Since 2022, the British Embassy has committed £6 million to a project designed to curb the flow of Albanians leaving northern Albania for illegal work in the United Kingdom. This initiative has significantly decreased the number of Albanian migrants making the perilous journey across the English Channel, with only 616 individuals recorded last year. In contrast, 2022 saw over 12,600 Albanians crossing by small boats, illustrating the peak of such migrations.
Albanian nationals frequently feature among the most common nationalities referred to the UK's National Referral Mechanism as potential victims of modern-day slavery. The sharp reduction in crossings results from a concerted campaign by the UK and Albanian governments, which has included installing a network of UK-funded cameras on the Albania-Kosovo border to combat illegal migration and criminal gangs.
The UK government has also relaunched a social media campaign targeting Albanians contemplating illegal entry into the UK, warning of the potential hardships they may face. This campaign highlights real-life stories of migrants who entered the UK illegally, only to encounter debt and exploitation. Over 2,600 Albanians were returned to their home country last year, marking them as the most repatriated nationality.
Eraldo Harlicaj commented on the situation, explaining,
"A lot of them are paying very much to go to the UK, a lot of them are leaving families behind because they are unemployed men."
Despite these efforts, Harlicaj noted that
"Nothing has changed about Albania from 2022 when we had the peak of illegal migration,"
indicating ongoing challenges within Albania that drive migration.
To further address these issues, law enforcement activities, deportations, and diminished demand for travel to the UK have played significant roles in reducing crossing numbers. There is also potential displacement towards other methods of migration. Balkans expert Andi Hoxhaj highlighted that approximately 40% of Albanians leave for economic opportunities.
An Albanian national recounted his harrowing experience of traveling illegally and ending up working on a cannabis farm in the UK, describing his life as "unbearable." His story reflects the grim reality many face after being lured by organized criminal groups into trafficking schemes. Vasyl Chornyi noted,
"There are organised criminal groups using their social media, trying to lure people into trafficking schemes."
The collaboration between the UK and Albanian authorities has resulted in closer cooperation to tackle people smuggling. This includes deploying equipment like drones and number plate recognition cameras to detect British vehicles involved in illegal migration activities.
In addition to governmental efforts, local leaders like Albert Halilaj, Mayor of Kukës, have observed a decline in emigration from their regions. Halilaj stated,
"The number of immigrants going abroad is falling down. The young people of Kukës are not looking to migrate anymore."
This shift is part of a broader narrative change within Albania, aiming to promote a positive image of making a life within the country. Lavdrim Krashi emphasized,
"The numbers travelling illegally has drastically reduced in the last few years, but always more can be done."
He further added,
"It's not in our interest to lose our young people; we want to make them thrive in the Albanian economy."
Jorida Tabaku echoed this sentiment by stating,
"Trying to change the narrative with a positive image that people can make their life here is extremely important."
Meanwhile, Halilaj is championing tourism as a vital focus for Kukës' future. He extended an invitation,
"I'd like to make a public call to all the immigrants abroad that they can return here and they will find support for their investments in every field."