Ida Ismail
Kukes welcomed the Community and Business Forum on Migration, a space for reflection, conversation and inspiration on the opportunities related to migration, return and local development. For two days, the community, businesses and institutions shared experiences, ideas and concrete solutions to build new development paths in Kukes and beyond. This forum is part of the project “Strengthening local institutional capacities for migration in Albania”, funded by the UK Government and implemented by IOM Albania.
Main issues raised in the forum
According to the data presented, Kukës has over 4.000 registered unemployed people, while the age group most affected by emigration remains the 20-40 year olds, which represents the most active force in the labor market.
During the discussions, a clear picture emerged of the challenges facing the local community. The myth of “seasonal work” continues to deter many citizens, who are hesitant to work for fear of losing their economic assistance. At the same time, the lack of trust in the municipality is emerging as a serious obstacle to dialogue, making it difficult to cooperate with the private sector, which itself offers few suitable jobs.
Demographic aging, driven by declining birth rates and emigration, has further aggravated the situation, while young people continue to see leaving the country as the only solution. Even when training or retraining programs are offered, participation remains low, not only due to a lack of motivation, but also to distrust in the labor market and institutions.
Strong social and cultural barriers, especially for women and girls, continue to limit their active participation in employment. Another challenge that emerged is the low level of digital skills, which makes it difficult for citizens to access online applications, training courses and modern employment platforms.
One of the biggest concerns raised by entrepreneurs was the lack of employees in Kukës, as many businesses are facing the exodus of their workforce to Kosovo. A businessman from the Services sector said: “Young people are leaving and the few employees we have here are being taken away by Kosovo. We are having trouble finding staff, especially during the season.”
This phenomenon is causing serious difficulties for local businesses, which are unable to keep up with demand and development.
Success stories of returned immigrants
Part of the forum was also a visit to businesses owned by returned emigrants, where stories of strong personality, challenge, and recovery were highlighted.
Returning from Germany, Kimete Doçi has opened a craft shop in Kukës. She works alone, combining painting, sewing, and creating folk costumes.
"I've been running the shop for a year now, I work full-time, sometimes even 15 hours a day in the car. When you want it, anything is possible," she said. Tourists and orders for rent for weddings or for sale make up the main part of her activity.
After a long career in football, Fatjoni has decided to dedicate himself to another profession, to be by the side of his family in their pastry shop, which has been operating for 25 years in the city of Kukës.
"I have been to many countries in the world, but the properties and everything I have is in Kukës. Currently we have two points, we expect to expand with a third point in the future. Kukës suffers from a lack of manpower. The impetus has been the family, we will try to adapt to the demands, cakes with designs, pastries to order," he says.
Institutional approach: Need for trust, investment and tangible solutions
The Deputy Mayor of Kukes described emigration as a "deep wound" for the area, which is classified as one of the poorest in the country. He underlined the urgency of resolving land titles, which would pave the way for investments and the return of emigrants. "We hope that this project, due to the seriousness of IOM, will be a tangible project. I guarantee you continued support," he underlined.
Endri Xhaferaj, IOM consultant, presented the functioning of Inter-Municipal Employment Pacts, which aim to facilitate the movement of labor between different municipalities and the rapid exchange of information on vacancies and inter-municipal cooperation on housing issues and seasonal employment.
"We aim for the information to be transmitted quickly, not only to labor offices, but also to other host municipalities," said Xhaferaj.
The project includes the pilot municipalities of Tirana, Shkodra, Vlora, Saranda, Kukësi and Kamza, as well as representatives of business, chambers of commerce, civil society organizations, the National Employment and Skills Agency, the Labor Inspectorate, etc.
The Kukes Forum highlighted the difficult reality of migration and employment, but also the great potential for development through dialogue, cooperation and diaspora engagement. The challenges are numerous: Unemployment, mistrust, lack of digital skills and cultural barriers. However, initiatives such as Inter-Municipal Employment Pacts and models of returned enterprises show that change is possible and that Kukes has real potential to rise again./acqj.al
