Albania keen on Bangladeshi workforce

Albania has expressed strong interest in hiring skilled and semi-skilled workers from Bangladesh to address growing labour demands in its expanding economy.

The proposal was put forward by Albanian President Bajram Begaj during a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of 80th United Nations General Assembly.

“We need workers for our country and several Albanian companies have already submitted applications to hire from Bangladesh,” President Begaj said during the meeting.

He also expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral ties, noting opportunities in sectors such as tourism.

Albania’s southern coastline, he added, holds potential as a new destination for Bangladeshi tourists.

Chief Adviser Prof Yunus welcomed the initiative, describing Bangladesh’s workforce as energetic, capable and ready to contribute to Albania’s economic development.

He underscored the need for smoother mobility between the two countries and requested that the Albanian government ease visa procedures for Bangladeshi nationals.

Currently, Bangladeshi applicants must travel to New Delhi to obtain an Albanian visa.

In response, President Begaj said Albania is considering the introduction of an e-visa system for Bangladeshi citizens to simplify the process.

He also advocated for stronger institutional ties and high-level visits to deepen bilateral cooperation in both labour and other strategic sectors.

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul, who also oversees Ministry of Expatriate Welfare, was present at the meeting and affirmed Bangladesh’s readiness to supply a broad range of manpower; from healthcare professionals like doctors and nurses to factory and agricultural workers.

He stressed the importance of signing a formal memorandum of understanding to streamline the recruitment process and ensure mutual benefit.

President Begaj further announced that Albanian universities are open to enrolling Bangladeshi students through existing international education programs, marking another potential avenue for deepening cooperation between the two countries.

Senior Secretary for SDG Affairs Lamiya Morshed also attended the meeting, which ended on a positive note, with both sides expressing strong interest in advancing collaboration through practical, people-centered initiatives.