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Mary Ward Loreto Foundation launched the Research on Migration of Albanians and findings of this study report on Friday, 26 of April 2019. More than 100 participants attended the conference at Tirana International Hotel in Tirana, Albania.
The panelists of this conference were: Imelda Poole (IBVM), MWL President; Mr. Alfred Matoshi; Ms. Sulltana Aliaj; Mr. Denis Mema; Dr. Arlind Qori; Prof. Dr. Zyhdi; and Dr. Ana Majko. Ms. Sulltana Aliaj presented the Literature of the research and Mr. Denis Mema presented the Methodology and findings of the research. Mr. Alfred Matoshi presented the Analyzed findings of the research, Dr. Arlind Qori, spoke about the links between Politics and Migration, Prof. Dr. Zyhdi Dervishi gave a asocial context of Migration, and Dr. Ana Majko spoke about the current situation of Migration and trafficking in Albania.
This study was led by the Mary Ward Loreto Foundation, under Mr. Alfred Matoshi coordination and co-author with Ms. Sulltana Aliaj and Mr. Denis Mema.
An irreplaceable contribution to this study was given by academic staff from the Social Sciences Department at the University of Tirana specifically: Prof.Dr. Zyhdi Dervishi, Dr. Arlind Qori and Dr. Livia Nano. A special thanks to Dr. Edita Fiono and Ada Braho PhD Researcher.
We would like to thank all of the volunteers, individuals, and associates who worked with passion and dedication in the collection of data, interviewing, and organizing focus groups across Albania.
Migration is a phenomenon that has affected nearly all Albanians. Statistics show that most Albanians want to leave in order to have a better life outside of Albania. Given this fact, a study has been done to identify the factors that push Albanians to migrate. The study has as a sample 1,105 individuals with an equal gender distribution and a range of ages. The instruments used are the self-appointed questionnaire for migration and the World Health Organization questionnaire based on quality of life, the degree of hope, and life satisfaction. Focus groups and interviews were also used to analyze the phenomenon.
Mr. Denis Mema shared the analyzed findings of the research. The results show a large tendency of Albanians to leave the country as a result of socio-economic factors.
Currently, in Albania, frequency analysis shows that 83.86% of participants asked want to leave their county and 16.14% do not want to leave. Statistical analyses show that both women and men are equal in their desire to leave.
There are many factors that affect the great desire to emigrate. Around 84.9% (N=786) want to leave for social economic reasons, including unemployment, lack of basic services and poor standards of living. It results that 5% (N=47) wanted a higher level of education that is not available in Albania. In additional, 4.8% (N=45) wanted to leave for political reasons and 2.7% (N=25) want more specialized health service. Only 1.9% (n=18) have selected “other” and it results that the most prevalent reason for leaving was lack of security for their life.
Specifically, 78.5% do not feel secure in Albania. Asked about the reason, they reported that this is related to the high number of criminals that are not punished.
An interviewee in Pogradec said: “I am agitated by the powerlessness to change this situation, it is absurd how some individuals are holding this country hostage”
This study aims to promote the recommendations for creating and modifying policies to prevent illegal migration, and to aid in the reintegration of returning migrants into society.
We would like to thank the President of Mary Ward Loreto Foundation, Sr. Imelda Poole MBE, (IBVM) for her trust, support and encouragement at all stages of this MWL led project.
During her speech at conference she said:
“Speaking about movement and mobility, change will come even in Albania, if we all work together against factors that affect Albanians to emigrate.
From my perspective of living in this country for 14 years, I am very conscious of the extreme poverty and the feelings of hopelessness prevalent amongst the people. There seems to be no connection between the need of the people and the services offered by the state.
I hope that all those who have any power to make change will respond to this revealed truth and listen to the voice of the people who are voting now with their feet and moving away from their homeland. ”
The conference is followed by national media that have also made chronicles on the study:
Please click here to download the study report Albanians and Migration.
The study report “Albanians and Migration” in Albanian Languag.
The study report “Albanians and Migration” in English Language.