The Greek debt crisis and Albanian return migration

What is it about?

The study explores primarily, but not exclusively, the impact of the ongoing Greek debt crisis on the decision of Albanian migrants to return to Albania. More specifically, it analyses the reasons that motivated them to leave Greece; the barriers they faced while trying to reintegrate into Albanian society, which has undergone vast changes during the time of their absence; the way these barriers influence their future intentions; and, finally, the role of the Albanian government in their reintegration.

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Why is it important?

Our findings show that the return migrants are living in between three worlds (old and new Albania and Greece), struggling to find where they fit best, and reconsidering the wisdom of their decision to return to Albania. Lack of trust in the Albanian government and the belief that things will not improve have convinced those who are younger that migrating again is a solution.