Albania expresses interest in hiring Bangladeshi workers

Albania has expressed strong interest in recruiting skilled and semi-skilled workers from Bangladesh to meet its growing labour market demands.

The proposal was conveyed by Albanian President Bajram Begaj during a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday.

“We need workers for our country, and several Albanian companies have already submitted applications to hire from Bangladesh,” President Begaj said. He noted that bilateral cooperation could expand further, particularly in tourism, highlighting Albania’s southern coastline as an attractive destination for Bangladeshi travelers.

Chief Adviser Yunus welcomed the initiative, stressing that Bangladesh, with its dynamic and youthful workforce, is well-positioned to support Albania’s economic growth. He also urged the Albanian government to simplify visa procedures, pointing out that Bangladeshi citizens currently have to travel to New Delhi to apply.

In response, President Begaj said Albania is considering introducing e-visas for Bangladeshi nationals. He also called for stronger institutional engagement, including high-level visits, to advance cooperation.

Adviser Asif Nazrul, who oversees the Ministry of Expatriate Welfare, affirmed Bangladesh’s capacity to supply a wide range of manpower—from doctors and nurses to factory and agricultural workers. He emphasized the need to sign a memorandum of understanding to streamline the recruitment process.

President Begaj further announced that Albanian universities are prepared to welcome Bangladeshi students under existing international enrollment schemes.

Senior Secretary for SDG Affairs Lamiya Morshed was also present at the meeting.