Immigration has become a growing wound in our society, but the latest data from the Special Immigration Survey by INSTAT showed that there are very strong territorial differences, reflecting the history of migration.
In some circles, migration appears as an almost structural phenomenon of family life.
Berat is the most affected with around 70% of families having experienced emigration in one form or another, being the region with the highest burden at the national level. In this area, a significant proportion of families have returned emigrants, suggesting a full cycle of migration, where departure and return have become part of family strategies for survival and economic improvement.
Lezha and Vlora also present very high levels, with about half of the families affected by migration, with the presence of current emigrants abroad particularly prominent in Lezha.
In other regions such as Elbasan, Fier, Durrës and Korça, migration also remains widespread, with around 35–40% of households involved. In these areas, the ratio between emigrants abroad and returnees is more balanced, reflecting a combination of continuous migration and gradual returns, often related to age, housing investments or the opening of small economic activities.
On the other side of the spectrum are regions such as Gjirokastra and Kukës, where the percentage of families with migration experience is significantly lower compared to other areas. In Gjirokastra, migration appears at modest levels, while in Kukës it is noted that the main weight remains with current migrants abroad, with fewer cases of return, which suggests a more prolonged and less cyclical migration.
Tirana and Shkodra present a somewhat different profile. In Tirana, although emigration is present, the percentage of affected families is lower than in many other regions, which is related to the role of the capital as an economic center and magnet for internal migration. In Shkodra, meanwhile, the weight of emigrants abroad remains significant, reflecting the long tradition of international emigration from this area.

In some circles, emigration has become a stable component of the family and economic structure, while in others it remains more limited or more oriented towards long-term departure without return.
These territorial differences have direct consequences for the labor market, local development and public policies, especially regarding the return of emigrants and the utilization of the human capital they bring with them./Monitor.al