Albania Sustainable Development Organization at the 2nd International CSO Dialogue on Development-Oriented Migration
October 28, 2025
NaturEUnite Delegation Visits Southern Albania to Explore Sustainable Nature Protection and Eco-Tourism
March 27, 2026
Over the past year, Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia have taken a historic step forward to strengthen fair Labor mobility, protect migrant workers, and combat informality across the Western Balkans.
With ASDO leading implementation in close partnership with the State Labour Inspectorate and Social Services (ISHPSHSH) and the support of GIZ and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the regional project “Improving the Management of Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration in the Region” has officially concluded—delivering some of the most impactful reforms and collaborations to date.
The initiative delivered impactful results, built new regional bridges, and set the foundation for long-term cooperation aligned with EU standards on freedom of movement and fair labour mobility.
A major milestone was the Peer-to-Peer Regional Meeting, held in Tirana on 1 July 2025, where labour inspectorates from the three countries met in Tirana during a high-level Peer-to-Peer coordination forum. Institutions jointly discussed challenges, validated the findings of the regional study, and agreed on concrete next steps for cooperation.
Why This Project Mattered
Thousands of workers cross borders every day seeking employment opportunities, but many do so informally, without documentation or protection. The project addressed this regional challenge by:
- Harmonizing cross-border inspection procedures
- Updating legal frameworks
- Conducting awareness campaigns
- Providing direct counseling for migrant workers
With Albania advancing in EU accession, particularly Chapter 2: Freedom of Movement of Workers, these reforms help the region align with European labour standards and improve worker protection.
What the Project Delivered
Strengthened Regional Partnerships
- MoUs formally signed between labour inspectorates
- Focal points appointed in Albania, North Macedonia, and Montenegro
- Regional study completed on migration trends, labour market conditions, and legal gaps
New and Harmonised Cross-Border Procedures
- New inspection procedures drafted and aligned across countries
- Updated inspection forms reflecting regional agreements
- Sustainable information-exchange mechanism created
- Training curricula developed and delivered to inspectors
Propose Improvement on the Legal Frameworks
- Full review of the Law on Foreigners, DCM 499, labour inspection legislation, and anti-trafficking provisions (Event)
Impact That Will Last
The project leaves behind a stronger regional architecture for migration management—one that is:
- More coordinated across borders
- Better aligned with EU standards
- More transparent, especially for migrant workers
- More supportive of labour inspectors and institutions
- More informed, thanks to data, research, and awareness efforts
Most importantly, hundreds of workers and dozens of institutions now have access to clear, reliable information and harmonised procedures that reduce vulnerabilities and promote fair, regular migration.
A New Chapter for the Region
This initiative places Albania and its neighbours at the forefront of regional cooperation on labour mobility. By combining research, institutional development, legal reform, and grassroots outreach, the project sets a strong foundation for continued collaboration and supports the Western Balkans’ pathway toward integration into the European Labour Authority.
Resources & Media
Vimeo Showcase: Watch Project Highlights
Project Reports and Publications:
