Albanian border authorities have opened a Temporary Shelter Center for irregular migrants in the southernmost part of Albania, in Qafë Botë near Saranda.
The center was established with the support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and will provide services to groups of irregular migrants until the process of return to the Greek border or referral for asylum.
The Qafë Botë border crossing has seen over half of the irregular migrant arrivals from Greece to Albania in the first six months of this year.
The center has a capacity to accommodate 60 individuals, including spaces for migrant registration, interviewing vulnerable individuals, child-friendly spaces, an outpatient clinic, and containers to ensure proper hygiene and sanitation conditions.
Alma Jani, Director of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), stated that the support for the border police came after the need for reception capacities for irregular migrants entering Albanian territory from neighboring Greece was identified at Qafë Botë.
“The new center is an example that will guarantee dignified treatment of migrants and will provide shelter, medical assistance, and security, among other things,” said Jani.
Meanwhile, Sajmir Boshnjaku, Director of the Border Department at the State Police, stated that the center assists the Albanian police in ensuring international standards for the treatment of irregular migrants.
“It is a series of services that will facilitate the work of the border police and the reception of migrants,” Boshnjaku said.
The establishment of the Registration and Temporary Shelter Center is seen by immigration authorities in the border police as a necessity due to the increased influx of irregular migrants entering Albania through the border point with Greece.
During the period from January to June of this year, around 3,600 irregular migrants were identified on Albanian territory, of which more than 1,500 entered through the Qafë Botë border crossing.
This is the third temporary center established in Albania for irregular migrants, following the ones opened in Grehot of Gjirokastra in 2017, and at the Kapshtica border point in 2019.
The establishment of the latest center in Qafë Botë was made possible by funding from the Norwegian and Danish governments, which support Albania in programs for irregular migrants.
In addition to IOM, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) also coordinates with Albanian border authorities and the Asylum and Citizenship Directorate on international measures to protect and assist refugees.
This includes improving access to asylum procedures and the implementation of security measures during procedures, as well as access to information and legal protection.
