Foreign workers flood Albania as construction booms

Albania's construction sites are bustling with foreign workers as businesses struggle to fill labor gaps.

The shortage of local workers has pushed companies to recruit from countries like India, Vietnam, and the Philippines, with their numbers growing significantly compared to recent years.

Employers say stable work contracts and competitive wages—nearly matching Western European levels for skilled roles—are making Albania an attractive option for foreign laborers.

But businesses are footing a bigger bill. Hiring workers from abroad comes with added costs, such as providing housing, which many companies say strains their budgets.

Alongside construction, fishing and tourism are also turning to foreign workers to meet growing demand, with the trend showing no signs of slowing down.