Cooperation and Development Institute (CDI) in the framework of the project “The management of migration flows: Analysis and Strategies for Solutions” supported by Hanns–Seidel Foundation (HSS), carried out a fact-finding mission on 29/04/2016, visiting the refugee camp areas in Greece (Idomeni, Kozani, Evzoni) and Border Crossing Point of Kapshtica.

Data were collected and interviews were hold in order to support the research phase on the management of migration flows at the Albanian border, including asylum seekers in Albania.

Findings of the research will be presented in a special event where relevant stakeholders will participate, in order to inform and enhance the political and media debate prior to the Paris Summit WB6 in the framework of Berlin Process.

Among Syrian refugees in the refugee camp in Kozani

Indoor environment of the refugee camp in Kozani

Cooperation and Development Institute in partnership with Hanns -Seidel Foundation organized on Friday, June 10th, 2016, the Workshop “Migrant’s Path to Europe: the Albanian Step of the Balkan Route”

The workshop was focused on the situation of migration flows in Europe and its impact in Albania, as well as the internal and external factors that condition the migrants’ entry in our country.

The experts pointed out Albania’s role in the Balkan Migration Route and gave their assessments if our country could become the next destination for migrants or simply serve as a temporary transit one; highlighted the key factors that provoked the migration flows flee toward the EU countries and indicated the geographical position of the Balkans; discussed the management and control issues of Albanian border points, as well as the trafficking of human beings across the Adriatic Sea; also affirmed the importance of respecting the human rights of foreigners in relevant Albanian institutions; provided an overview of issues and procedures on how to receive asylum in Albania, and emphasized the institutional cooperation among the Albanian government and EU partners.

This workshop brought together experts from national authorities and organizations (Prime Minister Office, Ministry of Internal Affairs that deal with migration issues), Albanian Committee of Helsinki, the prestigious German newspaper “Süddeutsche Zeitung”, German Embassy in Tirana, and other organizations which focus on migration-related aspects. Each workshop session was followed by a question and answer space, where the participants had the opportunity to debate with respective speakers and experts.

The analysis of migration factors and Albania’s position will be published soon on CDI’s website www.cdinstitute.eu and on its public policy portal www.shtetiweb.org

16.12.2016

Cooperation and Development Institute in partnership with Hanns Seidel Foundation organized on Friday,  December 16^th, 2016, the round-table“Comprehending Albanian Migration to Germany: 2014-2016”.

The authors of the study with the same title presented the main findings of the research which provided an investigation to understand the recent migration outflow originating from Albania during 2014 – 2016, the push and pull factors that influenced the decision to migrate and the profiles and perspective of the returnees.

One of the co-authors of the study, Prof. Esmeralda Shehaj from the Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Tirana,  emphasized the key factors that provoked migration flows of Albanian nationals to Germany, and pointed out main data in reference to this phenomenon i.e. 53,805 Albanians submitted an application for asylum in Germany in 2015! Only 55 positive decisions out of 23,300 final decisions regarding asylum protection were taken from German authorities in 2015! Only 10 asylum requests, out of 34,000 asylum requests from January­to October 2016, were approved. 

Mr. NeshatZeneli, also a co-author of the study, Director of Employment Service at the National Employment Service of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Youth, highlighted the necessity of spreading information to inform people on legal migration to Germany in order to avoid illegal departures.  Mr. Saimir Boshnjaku from the Border and Migration General Directorate, State Police, underlined the role of Albanian State Police in the process of returned/readmitted Albanian unaccompanied minors from other countries and the measures undertaken to manage migrants’ repatriation in general. While, a young Albanian returnee, AkilVarfi, shared his experience as a former asylum-seeker in Germany and stated the main reason that pushed him at his family to leave Albania.

 The research, conducted by Cooperation and Development Institute, took place from April until October 2016 and included desk review, media monitoring, in-depth interviews and field visits.

The event brought together experts from national authorities,  academia, and counted on the participation of researchers, returnees, CSOs, and other interested parties.

Full analysis of the study will be published soon on CDI’s website www.cdinstitute.eu and on www.shtetiweb.org

A Factsheet of the main findings can be accessed and read here.