UK, May 24, 2024- British Foreign Secretary David Cameron has welcomed the progress that has been made in partnership between the UK and Albania to tackle the problem of illegal migration. When he visited Tirana, the capital of Albania, Cameron applauded the decrease of more than 90 % of small boat arrivals from Albanian to the U.K. in 2023, owing to the efforts of both countries against people smuggling networks.
The cooperation of the United Kingdom with Albania aiming to combat the issue of illegal immigration has been assessed as rather positive so that other countries could be inspired by this example. Cameron stressed the need to improve cooperation in Europe to address concerns such as migration-related criminal activities, security in the Western Balkan region, and assisting Ukraine amidst the Russian invasion.
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This combined approach has not only prevented a large number of lethal small boat voyages but also hindered the activities of despicable people-smuggling mafias thus offering young Albanians a prospect of a better life. It has led to the deportation of about 6000 Albanians from the United Kingdom in the prior year.
Albanians looking for better lives have been among those traveling through speed boats to the UK, which has been forced to work in cannabis growing houses to repay smuggling dues. The U.K. and Albania have protocols for dealing with the arrival of Albanians on boats as well as have set up projects, mainly in the northeast of Albania, to counter illegal immigration.
During the recent visit of Foreign Minister Cameron, both countries reiterated their willingness to fight against the issue of illegal migration and work for the economic prosperity and stability of Albania. These collaborative efforts have also had positive impacts in combating the vice of illegal migration while creating opportunities whereby people can be productive assets to their country and economy.
