Publication overview

The causes and consequences of Albanian emigration during transition: evidence from micro-data

Abstract

This paper reports the results of a field survey of individuals and firms in Albania, carried out during 1998. The surveys were designed to analyse the size, causes and consequences of emigration from Albania during the 1990s. Our results show that emigrants are motivated mainly by the ease of access of neighbouring countries and by the prospect of high financial returns. Although most emigrants worked illegally and had part-time, low-skilled jobs, the majority found the overall experience positive, and the skills and earnings abroad have contributed to setting-up businesses on return. These results have important policy implications for both EU countries and other transition countries in the region.