Albania is becoming increasingly attractive to foreign workers, with the aim of replacing shortages in the local market. According to data from the National Employment and Skills Agency, nearly 13,000 foreign citizens were granted work permits last year, a figure significantly higher than in previous years.
Most foreign workers are engaged in the tourism sector, while some of them have declared themselves for the first time due to concerns about controls, according to labor market expert Ergesta Stërmasi.
Data shows that the foreign workers who have arrived are mainly from Turkey, Egypt, the Philippines, India, China and Ukraine. However, Stërmasi emphasizes that this is a short-term solution and has significant costs, adding that the focus should be on preparing local youth.
According to her, bringing a foreign employee to Albania costs up to 3,500 euros, including transportation costs, legal procedures, and accommodation.
In addition to employment, the demand for residence permits has also increased in recent years, with 13,176 applications submitted last year, mainly by Italians, Indians, Turks and citizens from Kosovo, according to the Ministry of Interior.
