The return of emigrants: An opportunity for Albania or an unattainable challenge?

The return of Albanian emigrants to their home country is a complex issue that encompasses economic, social, and legal dimensions. To better understand this matter, it is essential to analyze the factors that influence this process and compare them with the experiences of other countries that have achieved similar successes. Below is a narrative analysis supported by data and comparative contexts, discussing whether emigrants should return to Albania.

Economic context and potential benefits

Emigrants represent an extraordinary asset for the Albanian economy, both in terms of human and financial capital. Remittances, which amount to approximately €1.2 billion annually according to the World Bank, have been a stable source of income for families and the national economy. However, their return could transform this capital from consumption into productive investment. For instance, comparative models like Poland and India have shown that the return of skilled emigrants can help develop technological hubs and start-ups, enhancing productivity and labor market competitiveness.

The average salary in Albania has reached €770/month, an improvement over previous years, yet still far from host countries such as Germany or Italy, where wages exceed €2,000/month. This economic gap remains a challenge for attracting qualified professionals. Moreover, the Albanian labor market often lacks opportunities that match their qualifications, creating a barrier to return.

Human capital and professional experience

The return of emigrants can facilitate the transfer of advanced knowledge and technology. For example, an emigrant who completed their studies in Europe could contribute by mentoring youth or creating new enterprises. Croatia and Ireland are two successful examples that established partnerships between universities and the private sector to integrate emigrants into the domestic market.

On the other hand, Albania faces a lack of structured programs for the requalification of returning professionals. The education and training systems require deep reforms to enable the successful integration of emigrants in high-demand sectors such as technology and modern agriculture.

Legal and institutional challenges

One of the major obstacles hindering the return of emigrants is legal and institutional uncertainty. Property ownership conflicts have remained unresolved for years, with over 50,000 open cases that deter emigrant investments. In contrast, Croatia has resolved 80% of its property disputes within five years through well-structured reforms. Furthermore, high levels of corruption, as reported by Transparency International, foster a climate of mistrust in public institutions.

Legal reforms and the digitalization of public services are essential to creating a favorable environment for emigrant return. Without these reforms, strategic investments and efforts to recover human capital remain limited.

Infrastructure and public services

Limited infrastructure, especially in education and healthcare, presents another barrier to emigrant return. Albania’s healthcare system is rated below the European average, discouraging the return of families seeking quality services for their children. Estonia stands as an inspiring example of a country that invested in the digitalization of public services, creating a favorable climate for the return of its diaspora.

Financial access and political stability

Access to finance remains another challenge for emigrants wishing to invest in Albania. High interest rates, ranging from 6% to 8%, compared to 1%-2% in developed countries like Germany, limit the ability to launch new businesses. Moreover, emigrants often face social discrimination and lack political and cultural integration, negatively affecting their motivation to return.

We believe that current measures aimed at improving the climate for emigrants’ return require a more comprehensive approach, based on concrete policies and strategies that aim to create attractive and sustainable conditions for those who wish to come back to Albania.

Priority Actions: What should Albania do?

One of the main pillars must be reforming the legal and institutional system. Unresolved property conflicts and a lack of transparency in public administration create a climate of mistrust and insecurity. Therefore, resolving these issues through a fair and digitalized process is essential to ensure emigrants feel protected and motivated to invest in the country.

Another key element is offering financial and fiscal incentives to stimulate emigrant investment. For example, creating programs that provide grants and loans under favorable conditions could help channel remittances toward productive sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and technology. These measures would not only encourage new business creation but also contribute to job creation and increased income in the economy.

Improving public services remains a vital aspect. Sustainable investments in healthcare and education, along with modernized infrastructure, would create better conditions for emigrant families. This is essential to ensure that returning to Albania is not perceived as a step backward in quality of life but as an opportunity for a better future.

Meanwhile, digitalizing public services would significantly ease access and interaction with institutions for returning emigrants.

Another important step is organizing information campaigns and creating practical support mechanisms. Establishing dedicated centers for emigrants would not only provide accurate information on investment opportunities and legal procedures but also protect them from the harsh bureaucratic reality and various obstacles, including corrupt practices. These centers would serve as platforms to guide and assist emigrants in integrating into the local market.

A conditional opportunity

The return of Albanian emigrants could become an engine for economic and social development in the country, but this requires strong institutional commitment to address existing challenges.

Therefore, the answer to the question “Should emigrants return?” cannot simply be yes or no, as this decision depends on a range of factors related to both the individual and the economic, social, and institutional realities in Albania.

Analysis of the situation shows that emigrant return could be an excellent opportunity for the country’s development—but only if the right conditions are created.

On one hand, their return is desirable due to the benefits they could bring. Emigrants with professional experience, advanced education, and new skills acquired abroad can significantly contribute to the development of Albania’s labor market and economy. For example, their return could lead to knowledge and technology transfer, new business creation, and increased investment in productive sectors. The financial capital they bring—approximately €1.2 billion annually in remittances—could be redirected toward strategic investments if supported by proper policies.

On the other hand, current realities in Albania present significant challenges for emigrants wishing to return. The labor market offers lower wages and fewer opportunities compared to developed countries, while unresolved property disputes, entrenched bureaucracy, and high corruption create insecurity.

Moreover, public infrastructure—such as healthcare and education—remains below the standards of countries where most emigrants live, making it difficult for those seeking a higher quality of life for themselves and their families to return.

In this context, the return of emigrants cannot be seen as a duty or a universal answer.

If Albania does not address key challenges such as improving the legal system, providing financial and fiscal incentives, and raising the quality of public services, then emigrants’ return may prove fruitless—or even discouraging for them and others considering this opportunity.

Emigrants should return only if the right conditions are created to enable a successful and sustainable transition.

Otherwise, their return could be a personal risk for them—and a lost opportunity for the country.

To achieve this, Albania must follow good practices from countries like Poland, Israel, or Estonia, which have successfully managed emigrant returns—building an attractive model that makes emigrants genuinely feel like active participants in the country’s development.