This is the state urging Albanians to stop for asylum

Albanians increasingly view France as their preferred destination to seek asylum at a time where their first chosen destination, Germany, seems determined to reject almost any demands coming from Albanian citizens.

Eurostat's latest data shows that during 2017, France had the highest number of asylum applications on the part of Albanians. In January alone, 1,060 Albanians sought asylum in France, while in February the number was 880, in March 1,200 and April 1,170.

The figures are almost twice as high as the number of Albanian asylum demands in Germany. From January to June 2017, about 500 Albanians per month sought asylum there, but most were refused.

Since November, for the first time, the number of Albanians seeking asylum in France has exceeded the number for Germany.

The Albanian relocations from Germany may have motivated Albanians to seek other destinations where they believe their chances are better.

However, opportunities for Albanians to receive asylum in France are now very small. This was highlighted during a July 27th meeting between Albanian Foreign Minister Ditmir Bushati and French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb.

The two ministers discussed a joint plan to curb the influx of asylum seekers to France within the next three months.

“We are responsible for the freedom and responsibilities that come with free movement in the Schengen area and are obliged not to tolerate abusive asylum demands,” said Bushati.
One of the planned joint measures is the deployment of French officers in Albania to conduct operations together with Albanian border police.

Meanwhile, on 26 June, 31 Albanians were repatriated from France and Belgium to Tirana. Aida Hyanaj, director of the border and migration, said Albanians should have it clear that opportunities to gain asylum in France are almost zero.

During 2015 and 2016, German authorities faced a huge influx of asylum seekers from Albania. During 2016 alone, about 50,000 Albanians sought asylum in Germany, most of whom fled poverty and lack of a job in their homeland. /Son/