TIRANA, March 8, 2023 – The emigration of medical professionals from Albania to Germany, which has led to public concern and criticism of the Albanian government, has now become for the first time a point of discussion in a meeting between the government leaders of the two countries.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said at a joint press conference following a meeting in Berlin this week that they had discussed the matter, but that free movement of human capital cannot be stopped.
However, Albania’s prime minister said “mechanisms” must be found so Albania can be compensated for its investment in training the medical professionals.
“We cannot ask Germany or the EU or Britain to stop the free movement of human capital and those who want to test themselves in the field of their profession or the markets of Germany,” Mr. Rama said. “On the other hand, we discussed with the chancellor how we should find ways and mechanisms so that Albania is not a direct funder of the German health system.”
Rama said medical students in Albania’s state university system pay 1/16 of the cost of their education, while the government pays the rest.
“This is at a time when all countries need skilled and unskilled labor. We have to find a European way since countries like Albania come at this with a loss,” Mr. Rama added.
Chanselor Scholz said the issue had been discussed at the meeting and added it was a “big challenge” as free movement is one of the EU’s basic rights.
“But with this freedom today there are also challenges … our country has a great need for a labor force and this is not covered by the EU alone,” he said.
-Growing anxiety in Albania over doctors’ emigration-
Albania already has one of Europe’s lowest doctor per capita ratios and it has been experiencing a significant emigration of medical professionals to Germany in recent years.
Economic opportunities, better working conditions and higher salaries in Germany make it a magnet for medical professionals in poorer European countries, not just Albania.
On the other hand, many Albanian medical professionals face limited job opportunities, low salaries and poor working conditions at home. As a result, many are attracted to the prospect of working in Germany, where there is a high demand for healthcare workers and a well-established healthcare system.
Albania’s government has come under increasing criticism for not doing more faster to raise wages and improve conditions to keep doctors at home.
Some of that pressure has resulted in increased wages, but the emigration continues.
-Why Germany?-
The German government has recently made it easier for all Western Balkans citizens to emigrate to Germany, in part to stem illegal migration and unfounded asylum claims, but also to fill its growing labor needs.
The growing migration trend from Albania to Germany is general, not just limited to highly skilled workers like doctors and nurses.
The latest figures show Germany is also quickly rising with significant growth as a place where Albanian migrants are working and sending back money to support their families. In 2021, the value of remittance transfers from Germany reached 172.8 million euros or 15.2 percent of the total, for example. Such transfers from Germany have recorded a high increase, by 20.4 percent more compared to 2020, while compared to 2017 they have increased by 71 percent, as Germany has become one of the most preferred destinations for Albanian migrants in recent years.
Germany has also implemented programs to facilitate the integration of foreign medical professionals into the healthcare system, such as providing language courses and offering financial incentives for healthcare providers who hire foreign workers.
But the emigration of Albanian medical professionals to Germany has raised concerns about the impact on the healthcare system in Albania, as it can lead to a shortage of qualified healthcare workers and decreased access to healthcare services for Albanian citizens.
However, some argue that the experience gained by Albanian medical professionals in Germany can ultimately benefit the healthcare system in Albania if they choose to return home and share their knowledge and skills with their colleagues.
