Illegal emigration, Albanian asylum seekers will be forced back

Illegal emigration, Albanian asylum seekers will be forced back

Albanian asylum seekers and illegal immigrants remain a concern for Germany. 

Speaking at a conference for migration organized by INSTAT, the German ambassador to Albania, Susanne Schutz said that this category of people will be returned with force, and will be banned from entering Germany for five years.

"We welcome the growing interest of young people who want to study in Germany, but we do not welcome those who abuse the rights of movement. 

"The number of illegal immigrants and asylum seekers is still very high. 

"Albania is a candidate country for the EU and is not a country with political persecution. The conditions in Albania do not warrant asylum abroad. 

"Those who attempt to stay illegally in Germany will be returned to Albania, even with force if it's necessary, and will be banned from entering Germany for up to 5 years." said Susane Schultz.

In response, the Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama, reiterated that the number of Albanian asylum seekers has dropped significantly over recent times, before adding that statements emigration is increasing is purely speculation. 

"The number of Albanian asylum seekers has dropped drastically," said Edi Rama.

According to the head of government, emigration is a normal phenomenon and also widespread in EU countries and added that their contribution to the Albanian economy is appreciated. 

According to the data, emigration remittances value approximately 618 million Euros a year.

"Albanian emigration is smaller compared to EU countries," said Edi Rama.

For the director of INSTAT, Delina Brahimaj, the integration of returning emigrants remains a challenge for Albania. 

The data show that on average about 25,000 Albanians return to Albania each year.

"Those emigrants who return to Albania need conditions to integrate," said Delina Brahimaj.

Albania experienced a massive emigration of about 1.1 million Albanians after the 1990s, as a result of difficult living conditions and poverty. 

But, even the Census of population in 2011 found out that emigration continues to be high.

EMISIONET