Albania's Migration Dilemma: Turning Brain Drain into Development Gain

This article explores the findings of the World Bank's "International Mobility as a Development Strategy: Albania Country Report," highlighting how Albania can leverage its vast diaspora for national development while addressing the challenges faced by returning migrants. By adopting a globAL vision, Albania can turn its migration challenges into opportunities for economic growth.

Migration has long been a defining feature of Albania's socio-economic landscape. With over 1.2 million Albanians living abroad, representing more than 44% of the current population, the country faces both challenges and opportunities in managing this vast diaspora. The recent World Bank report, "International Mobility as a Development Strategy: Albania Country Report," sheds light on how Albania can leverage this migration for national development while addressing the persistent challenges faced by returnees.

The Power and Potential of a Global Workforce

Albanian migrants, traditionally lower-skilled and of working age, have predominantly settled in neighboring countries like Italy and Greece. However, as economic conditions have evolved, so has the profile of Albanian migrants, with a growing number seeking opportunities in Western Europe, particularly Germany. This shift has also seen an increase in the proportion of high-skilled migrants.

Migration, while often viewed as a challenge, has the potential to be a significant driver of development for Albania. The report advocates for a "globAL vision," which sees the Albanian diaspora not just as expatriates but as a global workforce capable of contributing to Albania's development from wherever they are. Whether through remittances, knowledge transfer, business networks, or even returning to fill skill gaps, this global workforce holds the key to unlocking Albania's economic potential.

Challenges Faced by Returning Migrants

Despite the potential benefits, returning migrants often face a host of challenges that can hinder their reintegration into Albanian society. The World Bank report highlights that returnees frequently struggle with unemployment, with a staggering 47.2% of returnees being jobless—significantly higher than the national average of 12%. The reasons for this are multifaceted. Returnees, especially those forced back after failed asylum bids, often return to the same challenging conditions that led them to leave in the first place.

Furthermore, these returnees face difficulties in having their overseas qualifications recognized, dealing with bureaucratic barriers, and overcoming social stigma. The lack of tailored services to address their specific needs exacerbates these challenges, leaving many returnees in a precarious position. For some, the struggle is so intense that up to 82% of certain groups of returnees, such as failed asylum seekers, express a desire to migrate again.

A New Approach to Migration Management

To address these issues and fully harness the potential of its global workforce, Albania needs to rethink its approach to migration management. The report suggests the development of a new migration system based on a globAL vision, which emphasizes informed decision-making, a seamless collaboration between institutions, and the provision of multi-dimensional global services.

A critical component of this system would be the National Agency for Employment and Skills (NAES), which the report identifies as a natural entry point for returnees. By revitalizing and expanding its services, NAES could become the cornerstone of a comprehensive migration management system that not only addresses the needs of returning migrants but also integrates them into Albania's broader economic strategy.

The proposed system would require significant investment in digital infrastructure, data collection, and human resources. However, the potential benefits—such as improved labor market outcomes, higher economic growth, and a more connected global Albanian community—make this investment worthwhile.

Albania stands at a crossroads in its migration journey. By embracing a globAL vision and implementing the recommendations outlined in the World Bank report, Albania can transform its migration challenge into an opportunity for growth and development. The time has come for Albania to fully recognize and harness the potential of its global workforce, turning brain drain into development gain.