Tirana, 01 October 2024 – IOM Albania team and the Emergency Coordination Officer from IOM Geneva, Sara Beccaletto, had the pleasure of visiting the field sites of our dedicated partner NGOs – Nisma për Ndryshim Shoqëror, ARSIS, and the Organization Plan & Go – as part of our ongoing project, "Support for the Voluntary Integration of Afghan Nationals in Albania." 

This project, funded by the US Government - Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), is designed to support the voluntary integration of Afghan nationals into local communities in Albania, with a particular focus on the municipalities of Tirana and Lezha. 

Through this cooperation, Afghan nationals in Shengjin who fled their country following the turbulent transfer of power in August 2021, can voluntarily enroll in the integration program and receive comprehensive support, including:

• Case Management Services
• Cash Assistance
• Accommodation Assistance
• Non-Food Item Assistance
• Medical Assistance
• Social Care Assistance
• Community-based Mental Health and Psychosocial Services

Additionally, participants benefit from legal assistance and opportunities for small business start-up grants and on-the-job training, helping them establish sustainable livelihoods in their new communities.

Since June 2024, IOM and our partner NGOs have been working together to implement a range of actions that facilitate access to essential services and promote community integration for Afghan nationals. 

Beyond direct support to beneficiaries, the program also strengthens the capacity of Albania’s government and civil society to aid in Afghan integration, ensuring that Afghan nationals can build new lives with dignity and security.

Read more about the project here.