Belgium keeps pressure on Albania over visa liberalization

TIRANA, Dec. 1 – Belgium has warned Albania again that it is being monitored on the way it is implementing visa liberalization with EU countries.
Belgian Immigration Minister Melchior Wathelet, who came to Tirana last month after the decision, called on the government in Tirana to continue its public information campaign regarding travel to the EU.
“It is Albania’s and Albanians’ turn to respect the pact we have reached,” Wathelet said, adding that those who break the rules will be sent home. Albanians will be able to travel visa-free to EU countries starting Dec. 15.
The European Union decided unanimously to end visa requirements for Bosnian and Albanian residents by Christmas but warned the measure could be scrapped if it is abused for bogus asylum claims and illegal work.
Last year, the EU abolished visas for the citizens of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia, and several member states complained of a sudden rise in illegal migration and unfounded claims for asylum from the impoverished nations to the wealthy EU nations.
Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha has assured the EU member countries of his government’s full readiness to closely cooperate “so that this major act does not create the smallest problem.”