Migration intentions in transition economies: A study of potential migration from Albania and its future impacts on the sending society

Abstract This study explores the potential migration phenomenon from Albania, analysing both the factors influencing individuals' migration intentions and the broader socio-economic effects of these intentions. Since the 1990s, Albania has encountered significant demographic and developmental challenges related to population mobility. The focus is on the social and economic motivations and impacts linked to individuals’ migration intentions. Studying potential migration helps to identify the inclination to migrate before it becomes actual migration. The probability that potential migration will materialise into actual migration underscores the importance of timely policy responses in mitigating the impacts of migration for sending countries. This research is based on primary data collected via a survey. It contextualises migration intentions within larger frameworks of transition economies, structural inequality, and global labour markets. The findings contribute to academic and policy discussions on migration decision-making and underscore the importance of such research for policymaking, offering evidence-based insights that can inform strategies for sustainable development.