Albania ranks second in EU forced returns

Albanian citizens are among the top nationalities for forced returns from the EU, with over 8,000 deported in 2024, just behind Georgia. According to Eurostat and FRONTEX, Albania has seen a steady rise in deportations, with 17,425 removal orders issued in 2023, and 7,870 complied with.

The primary reason for deportations is irregular migration, as many Albanians overstay visas or engage in illegal work. Despite visa-free travel within the Schengen area since 2010, the number of Albanians identified as illegal residents continues to grow.

FRONTEX’s 2024 report revealed that 56,262 individuals were forcibly returned from the EU, marking a 43% increase from 2023. Other countries with high return rates include Georgia, Turkey, Colombia, and Moldova.

Additionally, over 1,100 Albanian citizens with criminal convictions were repatriated from the UK in 2024.

As migration pressures rise, the EU's focus on border enforcement and cooperation with origin countries like Albania is intensifying.