A new survey has revealed that more Albanians than ever are planning to leave the country, with the middle class leading the way. The trend, which is notably higher than the regional average, is driven by aspirations for better education, job opportunities, and living conditions abroad.
The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) survey found that 28% of Albanians have made plans to emigrate, with 11% of respondents having clear and actionable plans in place. This figure is nearly double the regional average in the Balkans.
Of those planning to leave, 67% are relying on networks of relatives and friends abroad to help facilitate their move. Additionally, 10% are looking to emigrate for educational purposes. Albania and Kosovo currently have the lowest rates of students leaving for studies in the region.
A growing trend: Education and opportunity
Among those with plans to emigrate, 22% are learning foreign languages to improve their chances of success abroad. This reflects a wider trend in the region, where people are prioritizing language skills as a key factor for migration. Meanwhile, 18% are applying for blue card and green card programs, and 3% have secured job offers through international employment fairs.
In a significant shift, 29% of those planning to leave have already found work opportunities abroad through online platforms.
Why are Albanians leaving?
Despite recent economic growth and positive developments in the tourism sector, the desire to emigrate remains high. Many Albanians, especially in the middle class, are seeking better quality of life, including access to superior educational opportunities for their children and more developed infrastructure.
A new migration dynamic
The survey highlights a shift in the nature of emigration. Migration is no longer solely driven by economic hardship but is increasingly motivated by the search for better living standards and opportunities abroad. Highly educated, high-paid workers are particularly focused on relocating to countries with better education systems and overall living conditions.
While Albania’s economy has shown signs of improvement, the emigration trend suggests that many still feel the need to seek opportunities outside the country. The government now faces a challenge in addressing the factors driving this trend, especially the appeal of better infrastructure and educational systems abroad.
As the number of Albanians planning to leave rises, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to this growing demand for improved opportunities within the country.
