Historic Visit Highlights UK-Albania Migration Partnership
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has made history with his first official visit to Tirana, Albania, on 15 May 2025, reinforcing the UK’s commitment to tackling illegal migration and organised crime in the Western Balkans. This landmark visit underscores a growing security and migration alliance that has already yielded results — with Albanian small boat arrivals to the UK down 95% since 2022.
Joint Migration Task Force Expands
In a major policy shift, Starmer announced the expansion of the UK-Albania Joint Migration Task Force to include North Macedonia, with negotiations ongoing with Montenegro. This task force uses shared intelligence and UK-funded drones to intercept smugglers and prevent unlawful crossings, a critical move ahead of the Western Balkans Summit in autumn 2025.
Port of Durres: Frontline Against Smugglers
During a visit to Durres Port, a known trafficking hotspot, Starmer witnessed UK-trained Albanian officers using new passport forgery detection machines donated by the UK. These efforts aim to detect fake travel documents and sever trafficking routes. In parallel, a new initiative targeting money laundering networks between Albania and the UK is being launched.
Tackling the ‘Revolving Door’ Effect
To stop repeat migration attempts, the UK is backing reintegration efforts in northern Albania — a region with high migration rates. The New Perspectives programme, funded by the British Embassy with £6 million, has supported job creation and social reintegration since 2022, significantly reducing migration pressures.
Crime and Forensics: UK-Albania Crackdown
The partnership now includes a forensic evidence initiative, adding £1 million in 2025 to bolster Albania’s digital and biometric systems. This has led to 55 UK arrests, many for serious crimes, following cross-border DNA matches. Over 1,000 database hits have been logged since 2023, proving the scheme’s effectiveness.
Public Reactions on X (formerly Twitter)
The visit has drawn widespread support on social media.
“UK-Albania collaboration has cut illegal Albanian arrivals by over 90% in two years.”
“Starmer’s Albania visit highlights proactive steps against migration crime.”
Defence Ties and Operation Interflex
Starmer also met British and Albanian troops training Ukrainian soldiers under Operation Interflex, deepening UK-Albania defence cooperation. Day two of the trip includes a European Political Community roundtable, where Starmer will drive forward migration and security dialogue.
A Model for European Migration Strategy
“This partnership proves that intervening upstream works,” said Starmer. “It’s how we secure borders while supporting economic opportunity and public safety.”
The initiative reflects the UK’s 2025 Immigration White Paper goals — achieving long-term reductions in net migration and targeting international trafficking syndicates.
