One-third of Albanians leave for work in EU countries

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Many young Albanians are leaving the country to look for jobs and better lives elsewhere, with Germany, Italy and other EU countries being their primary destinations.

They are citing high unemployment rate and low wages in Albania as their main reasons for leaving.

Every Monday afternoon, hundreds of Albanians gather in front of the German Embassy in the Albanian capital Tirana, eager to receive news on whether their working visas have been issued. An embassy official reads out the names and hands out passports. Those who get called can’t hide their joy.

An embassy official hands out passports in front of the German embassy in Tirana. /CGTN Photo

According to official statistics, in the first nine months of 2017, 0.1 percent of the Albanian population received working visas for Germany.

Fabjola and Bajame are now joining those leaving the country for work, having just had their German visas approved. They see the document as their one-way ticket to a better life.

"We are going there because of the salary. The salaries in Albania are very low and we want to have a better future in Germany. The salary is the biggest attraction," Fabjola said.

Bajame, from the town of Fier, some 100 kilometers south of Tirana, goes even further, saying she doesn’t see her future in Albania.

"I prefer Germany, but I feel bad since my family is here and I will miss them, but I like to explore new opportunities and this is a very good one for me. I would rather [have] new experiences in Germany," she said.

Almost one-third of the entire population of Albania has departed in the last decade in search for better opportunities.

Xhanfize Peci from Tirana is one of those who were left behind. The 63-year-old lives on pension not enough to support herself, so she has to work at a private company.

Peci doesn't see her loved ones, who are in Italy. Their framed pictures on the wall of her apartment are a stark reminder of the family's separation. It is a story shared by almost every household in Albania.

Xhanfize Peci in her apartment in front of pictures of her family members who are in Italy. /CGTN Photo

"We just speak on the phone. Recently we are talking on cellphones. Because of money (issues), I’ve never had a chance to visit them," Peci said.

"And they come here once every three years, because they are busy, they are working."

As we left Peci’s apartment, clouds gathered over Tirana signaling an approaching storm. For many residents taking off to new destinations, this is probably their last memory of their hometown.

The Albanian government is pledging not only to stop the emigration tide, but also to reverse it by offering better jobs and living standards. But until and if that happens, young Albanians are not looking back.

(Top image: Bejame (L) and Fabjola after receiving their working visas for Germany. /CGTN Photo)