Salary of 500 euros and accommodation; The scheme that is bringing African workers to Albania

This tourist season, the number of cleaning and service workers in bars and restaurants has notably increased, especially in the capital, Tirana. Many of these new workers have arrived from African countries, such as Ghana and South Africa.

Human resources experts predict that the number of foreign workers in Albania will continue to rise due to the growing tourism sector.

Although Albania is still often seen as a transit country for those seeking to enter the European Union, experts are urging the development of long-term policies aimed at the social and professional integration of foreign workers.

Fatima, a 28-year-old from South Africa, is one of the newest employees at the "Lulishte 1 Maji" bar-restaurant in the heart of Tirana. She arrived a few weeks ago and now works as a cleaner, one of two young women recently hired from South Africa to work at the establishment.

According to Fatima, high unemployment in her home country was the main reason she decided to migrate to Albania

"I feel good in Albania and I want to keep working to support my family," she said, emphasizing the economic motive behind her stay.

Artur, the manager of the restaurant, confirmed that this is the first time the business has hired foreign employees. The decision was driven by a lack of local labor, especially during the summer, when many young Albanians leave for seasonal jobs in coastal areas or abroad.

However, Artur also expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the foreign workers, calling it a new challenge in staff management and service quality.

Local businesses in the hospitality sector are among the first to follow a trend seen across many European countries, where due to high emigration and labor shortages, employers are increasingly hiring workers from African nations.

The presence of young African workers has become visible not only in Tirana’s central zones such as Blloku and the city center, but also in tourist destinations like Korçë, Lezhë, Shëngjin, Gjiri i Lalzit, and Saranda.

Cleaning and restaurant service sectors continue to be among the most affected by the shortage of local workers. Foreign workers are often more willing to take on jobs that locals avoid—usually low-paid and labor-intensive roles.

In Pogradec, a private operator responsible for city maintenance has recently employed three young women from Ghana. These workers earn a net salary of €370 per month, while the company provides accommodation and meals.

The company has struggled for some time to recruit local workers due to the difficult nature of the job and the low pay, leading to a gradual exodus of Albanian staff.

Even call center companies are now turning to Africa for recruitment. Lorenc Goga, administrator of a local call center, says they still face difficulties in hiring young Albanians, especially those fluent in Italian.He is considering hiring foreign workers, including from Africa, but highlights the challenge of language barriers since most do not speak Italian.

According to INSTAT, the number of foreign nationals with residence permits in Albania reached 21,460 in 2023—an 18% increase from 2022. The number of those with work-related residence permits reached 10,360 in 2023, marking a 31% rise compared to the previous year.

€500 salary and h: The scheme bringing african workers to Albania

At the "Lulishte 1 Maji" bar-restaurant, the monthly salary for new employees starts at €500 and includes accommodation and meals—a scheme that is increasingly being used to attract workers from abroad amid a shortage of local staff.

Erald Pashaj, Executive Director of “EPPC Albania & Kosova,” one of the largest HR consulting firms in the region, confirms that the average net salary for foreign workers in Albania ranges from €500 to €520 per month, including food and lodging.

In the region, the highest average net salary for foreign workers is in Serbia, reaching €750 per month, due to more structured recruitment practices.

“KORÇA BOOM”