The Open Balkan initiative has significantly eased the employment of Serbian citizens in Albania, allowing them to work under almost the same conditions as domestic workers today.
While only around 70 Serbian citizens are currently working in Albania, the trend shows a gradual rise in interest, alongside 45 companies from Serbia currently operating in the market.
One of them is Ana Mataruga from Ćuprija, who has been living and working in Tirana for six years. Following a previous engagement in Serbia, the business opportunity in Albania came as a natural continuation of the cooperation she already had with partners there.
"I have been living and working in Albania for six years without any problems," says Mataruga, who obtained her work and residency permits without major administrative obstacles.
Albania faces labour shortages
Due to an increasingly pronounced shortage of workers, Albania is relying more and more on the employment of foreign nationals. During last year, around 20,000 applications for work permits were submitted, mostly from countries in the region, while 73 applications came from citizens of Serbia.
According to data from the Albanian National Agency for Employment and Skills, the number of workers from Serbia has been constantly rising over the last two years. Most often, these are highly educated professionals, but they also include entrepreneurs and the self-employed.
Serbian citizens primarily work in healthcare, construction, trade, transport, hospitality, as well as in managerial positions within companies.
Benefits for both workers and companies
Employers assess that free access to the labour market in the Western Balkans brings benefits to both employees and the economy. Easier employment allows companies to find the necessary staff, while opening up greater opportunities for professional development for employees.
At Nelt, one of the largest Serbian distribution companies operating in Albania, they point out that regional business operations offer employees the chance to build careers across multiple markets and advance more easily.
An additional boost to cooperation is expected to come from the Social Insurance Agreement between Serbia and Albania, the implementation of which is expected soon. This will provide workers from Serbia with healthcare, pension entitlement rights, and other benefits from the social insurance system while working in Albania.