British Foreign Secretary David Cameron visited Tirana to praise the partnership between the U.K. and Albania in reducing illegal migration. The joint effort between the two countries was commended for disrupting people smuggling operations, resulting in a significant reduction in small boat arrivals from Albania to the U.K. Online bilateral agreement signed in 2022 allowed for the return of Albanian boat arrivals to Albania. During his visit, Cameron emphasized the need for greater collaboration across Europe on migration challenges, organized crime, Western Balkan security, and support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
Albanian nationals were among the 45,000 people who arrived in the U.K. in speedboats in 2022 in search of higher-paying jobs. Many of them ended up working in cannabis-growing houses to pay back the trafficking money. Top British officials described these arrivals as an “invasion,” sparking a diplomatic spat. However, the U.K. does not allow Albanians to seek asylum status as Albania is considered a safe country. In response, a partnership was formed between London and Tirana, resulting in an agreement signed in 2022 to return Albanians arriving on boats in the U.K. London also provided funding for projects in northeastern Albania, where most of the illegal newcomers originated from.
Albania, currently in negotiations to join the European Union, has been cracking down on people-smuggling gangs and unauthorized migration. In 2019, it became the first non-EU member country to have officers of the bloc’s border agency, Frontex, manage its borders in the south and east to combat cross-border crime. A recent development included the installation of a “sophisticated” network of cameras and drones along Albania’s border with Kosovo to track migrants and identify British vehicles used by criminals. Discussions during Cameron’s visit highlighted the importance of supporting Albania’s efforts to discourage migratory influxes and promote economic growth and tourism.
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron commended the U.K.-Albania partnership as an example for others to follow, showcasing the benefits of innovative and collaborative efforts in fighting illegal migration. The joint initiative between the two countries has yielded positive results in curbing dangerous small boat crossings and disrupting the business models of people smuggling gangs. Prime Minister Edi Rama of Albania expressed satisfaction with London’s involvement in various projects, including the development of a new railway link between the port of Durres and Pristina in Kosovo. The cooperation has contributed to Albania’s economic growth and tourism sector, providing opportunities for its citizens to stay and work in the country.
In conclusion, the partnership between the U.K. and Albania in combating illegal migration has been lauded for its success in reducing small boat arrivals and disrupting people smuggling operations. The bilateral agreement signed between the two countries in 2022 allowed for the return of Albanian boat arrivals to Albania, while London provided funding for projects in northeastern Albania. Albania’s efforts to crack down on people-smuggling gangs and unauthorized migration have been supported by the U.K. and other European partners. The installation of cameras and drones along the border with Kosovo reflects ongoing measures to track migrants and combat criminal activities. The collaborative efforts between the U.K. and Albania have not only strengthened bilateral ties but also contributed to the economic growth and tourism sector in Albania, offering opportunities for its citizens to build a prosperous future in their own country.
