The fall of communism in Albania was followed by a massive movement of citizens
towards western countries, where they settled for a better life. But after living abroad for
many years, many Albanians have decided to return home. Although in many cases
return was voluntary, some of the returnees want to migrate again, maybe permanently
this time. Others move back and forth, spending only short periods of time abroad,
when they are unemployed at home.
The main aim of our research is to explore the experiences of Albanian returnees at their
home country, their feelings about the decision to return, the difficulties of their reintegration
in Albania, and how they perceive themselves in the Albanian society. We
call it a ‘re-integration’ because Albania is not the country that they left behind when
they first migrated. It has changed the same way as other closed societies have, after
they opened their borders. We also explore their first impressions and reactions when
they settled in Albania, the way they perceive the Albanians who have never migrated,
and whether migrating again is a possibility for the future.