TIRANA, June 5 – Albanian border authorities say they have seen an increase in the number of refugees, many of whom are from Syria, looking to get out of Greece and transit through Albania to head to Western Europe.
The increase in numbers comes as improved weather makes it easier to navigate the mountainous frontier, also making it easier for human trafficking networks to operate.
Police in both countries are targeting traffickers who benefit from the desperation of the refugees to move further into the continent.
Police in Albania’s southern counties of Gjirokastra and Korà§a detained seven refugees from Syria this week, while six others were blocked by Greek police from entering Albania.
Gjirokastra police said it caught up with with the group of Syrian refugees in a village near the Greek border, arresting a local man who secured transportation further into the country for the refugees.
Greek police found the refugees as they were being driven by an Albanian driver who was then arrested, local media reported.
According to Albanian border policing data, refugee traffic toward Albania grew in 2016. About 915 refugees from different countries were registered at Albanian border crossings.
The largest number was seen in the fall last year, with Syrians making up a large group among the refugees — about 310 people, including women and children. Syrian refugees entering Albanian territory to seek asylum are dealt with at a special center in Tirana, according to local authorities.
According to Albanian police data, in 2016, the number of asylum seekers in Albania increased to about 200 out of 134 people in 2014 and 106 in 2015.
