Over the past few weeks, nearly 100 local government professionals from the 61 municipalities of Albania gathered in Tirana, Berat, Korça, and Vlorë for a series of seminars focused on migration and diaspora issues. These sessions, organized under the project "Strengthening Local Institutional Capacities on Migration in Albania," funded by the UK Government, mark a significant step toward reinforcing local migration governance and fostering interinstitutional cooperation.

The seminars addressed several critical priorities aimed at improving migration management and maximizing its benefits for local communities. Among the key focus areas were:

• Promoting employment opportunities for internal migrants, ensuring better access to the labour market and economic inclusion.
• Supporting the reintegration of returned migrants, offering assistance in accessing services, education, and employment opportunities.
• Encouraging diaspora investments, fostering economic growth and innovation through stronger ties with the Albanian diaspora.

These efforts align with Albania’s broader strategy to enhance migration governance by strengthening institutional capacities at the local and central levels.

As part of the project’s continued implementation, the next phase will include technical training sessions for all 61 municipalities across Albania. These sessions, set to take place in March, will focus on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for internal migration, equipping local authorities with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively manage migration flows and provide adequate support to migrants and returnees.

Learn more about the project here.