The cameras of Next Stop Albania traveled to Kavaja, where they visited one of the greenhouses currently employing dozens of foreign workers from different parts of the world.

Journalist Ortensa Budlla spoke with several of them, gathering their first impressions about life and work in Albania.

The workers explained that they chose Albania not only for the salary but also for the new experience of working in a different country. They earn an average of €500 per month, while good working conditions, accommodation, and a welcoming environment have encouraged them to stay.

One of them, a father working to secure a better future for his daughters, said his main goal is to provide them with education:

“I work for my two daughters; I want them to have more opportunities than I did,” he said.

Foreign workers have become a real support for several sectors in Albania, especially in agriculture, where a shortage of local labor has created gaps. Companies hiring them follow strict procedures through licensed agencies, which oversee their management and well-being. Workers are guaranteed housing, decent working conditions, and competitive wages—often higher compared to their home countries.

Another worker, named Xherik, previously employed in Singapore’s casino industry, described Albania as a new adventure:

“The salary here is higher, around 500 to 600 thousand lek a month. In Singapore, I lived among casinos and a very expensive lifestyle. I had to pay for everything—housing, food, internet, electricity. Here, almost everything is free,” he said.

Xherik admitted that his first week in Albania was difficult due to cultural differences, the weather, and missing his family. But he has since adapted:

“My parents are back home. I was looking for a job, and when I saw that Albania was offering opportunities, I applied. Within two months everything was arranged, and here I am,” he explained.

Foreign workers expressed gratitude for the opportunity, saying they feel respected. For some, Albania is the only country that has given them a real chance at employment—particularly for those who, due to age, had been rejected elsewhere.