The National Migration Survey 2024, conducted by the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) in partnership with the World Bank, reveals the migration profiles and patterns of Albanians, providing rich data for migration policies.
According to the study, Albanian migration is mainly composed of young, male, and medium-skilled workers, motivated by economic opportunities abroad. More than three-quarters of current migrants are male, while the most represented age group is 25-44 years old.
The research shows that migration varies by education and destination: about a third of Albanians going to the US have a higher education, while only 5% of those going to Greece have completed university education. In addition, coastal and central prefectures register higher levels of migration due to their proximity to major destinations, such as Italy and Greece.
Before departure, migrants work mainly in low-skilled positions and earn about 10% less than non-migrant employees. Three months before departure, 75% of migrants are working, but this figure drops to only 9% in the final month in Albania.
The research also reveals a large gap between migrants’ expectations and actual income. Migrants living abroad expected to earn an average of $3,900 per month, but actual income only amounts to around $2,200, forcing them to save less than they expected ($450 versus expectations of $1,270). This gap in expectations is largest for migrants in Greece, with a 52% difference in income and 69% in savings.
The research, which includes 3,804 migrant families and 1,198 non-migrant families, combines direct interviews and telephone surveys with Albanians abroad, providing more accurate and detailed data on the full migration cycle. /ekofin/
