More than 2,000 Albanians returned from EU countries

More than 2,000 Albanian citizens were returned from European Union countries in the first three months of 2026, according to Eurostat figures.

Albania ranked third among countries of origin for returns, after Turkey and Georgia.

Eurostat said 108,475 non-EU citizens were ordered to leave an EU member state during the first quarter. Over the same period, 34,550 people were returned to their countries of origin.

Turkish citizens made up the largest group of returns, with 3,555 people, followed by Georgians with 2,060 and Albanians with 2,050.

Albanians accounted for 5.9% of all returns from the EU. Germany carried out the highest number of returns, followed by France and Poland.

Eurostat said 59.6% of returns were voluntary, while 40.4% were forced.