Comparative Profiles of Pull and Push Factors of Albanian Emigration

Unmet needs push emigration from the country of origin. New opportunities attract immigration to the host country. In this paper, the goal is to evaluate and compare the push and pull factors that have encouraged the emigration of Albanian citizens abroad over the years. It is used qualitative method and it is carried out literature research to answer the research question "Why do Albanians make the decision to emigrate through years?" It turned out that the main driving factors of Albanian emigration are: poverty, unemployment, lack of security and better opportunities for living and education. The main attractive factors are better opportunities and standards of employment, payment, education and living. Over the years, 'economic factors' have been replaced by 'best opportunities'. The profile of Albanian emigrants has changed from ‘emigrants in black’, not very qualified and not very educated, to those who are regular, qualified and well educated.The desire of educated and qualified Albanians to emigrate has increased. The high figures of potential migration remain constant. The findings help to assess the needs of Albanians, to design policies and measures for not abandoning their country, and to improve policies for the inclusiveness of Albanian emigrants in the host countries.