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Vienna expert study: The wound of emigration will deepen in Albania

Politiko 2025-03-17 08:55:55

Vienna expert study: The wound of emigration will deepen in Albania

A recent study by the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (wiiw) announces that emigration to Albania and other Western Balkan countries will continue to be strong in the coming years.

The study analyzing migration trends shows a higher desire to migrate among young and educated people. This will happen for two main reasons. The first is the push factors in Albania and the Region that represent high youth unemployment, low wages and lack of opportunities for career growth and human development.

The Western Balkan countries of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia are each on their own path towards European Union membership. The study says that EU membership can offer significant socio-economic advantages for candidate countries, but also carries risks.

Labor markets in both the Western Balkans and the European Union are facing significant labor and skills shortages. Surveys in the Balkans have consistently shown in recent years that labor shortages are the main obstacle to the business environment.

In Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia, businesses surveyed by the World Bank as part of the Skills Measurement Program reported that they face serious challenges in finding workers in all occupations. Serbia reported high shortages (25%) of technicians and professionals. Albania reported 20% shortages in service and sales workers. Meanwhile, for skilled workers, shortages are extremely high in all countries.

The study shows that individuals working in sectors with a shortage of workers within the country are less likely to emigrate. In contrast, labor shortages in EU countries encourage migration, especially in sectors with high demand such as healthcare, information technology, and construction.

Data shows that Germany is the top destination for immigrants from Albania and the Western Balkans. Around 40% of individuals surveyed who express a desire to emigrate choose this country as their top option.

The study emphasizes that aspirations for migration do not depend only on economic factors, but also on social ties and labor market demands. To reduce the desire to emigrate, Western Balkan countries should improve labor market conditions by creating more opportunities for employment and professional development, the study recommends./ Monitor

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