Brussels, 25-26 February 2025 - A high-level Albanian delegation visited the Belgian Immigration Office in Brussels for a study visit focused on return systems and the implementation of the Return Case Management System (eRCMS).

The Albanian Delegation composed of representatives of the Department for Border and Migration, Albanian State Police, Forensic Institute, Consul of the Albanian Embassy in Brussels, and IOM Albania, met with the Director-General of the Belgian Immigration Office, who welcomed the delegation and highlighted the strong cooperation between the two countries in migration management. Discussions centered on strengthening this collaboration, exchanging best practices, and improving return procedures.

Albanian representatives provided an overview of Albania’s return system, covering national legislation, readmission agreements with EU countries, institutional structures, and migration trends. Special attention was given to Albania’s accommodation capacities for irregular migrants and the role of its Border and Migration Department in processing return cases.

Belgian experts presented their approach to alternatives to detention, emphasizing counseling and voluntary return support in cooperation with IOM. The Albanian delegation also learned about Belgium’s coaching programs for repatriation, which help migrants prepare for reintegration before returning to their home countries.
The visit included sessions on Belgium’s forced return procedures, challenges in deporting high-risk cases, and a demonstration of the Readmission Case Management System. IT specialists from Albania also engaged in technical discussions on system development and data management.

This study visit, organized in the framework of the Western Balkans Readmission Capacity Building Facility (WBCAP) provided valuable insights into Albania’s efforts to enhance its return case management system and strengthen its migration governance framework.