Albanian seasonal work migration to Greece: a case of last resort?

Abstract

This chapter discusses post-communist migration from Albania to neighbouring Greece, with particular reference to seasonal flows. Albania’s emigration rate as a share of the country’s resident population is amongst the highest in the world, having increased rapidly in the last 25 years from a base of nearly zero during the communist rule. This unique context provides fertile ground to investigate ways in which migration links with development, particularly in post-socialist societies. The research which this chapter is based on is part of such endeavour and stems from the author’s doctoral work. Hosting by far the vast majority of Albanian migrants, Greece has offered them valuable opportunities, while also meting out on them discrimination and exploitation. Amongst the most disadvantaged are seasonal migrants who are often lower-skilled individuals from poor backgrounds in rural Albania, and usually work in the agricultural sector in Greece, at times in deplorable conditions. Through their stories and experiences we begin to understand the reasons behind their decision to take this particular migration trajectory, and its impacts on migrants’ families and areas of origin. The findings have wider application, given the structural demand for agricultural labour as well as rapid ageing throughout industrialised societies.

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ORCID for Julie Vullnetari: orcid.org/0000-0003-1578-8622

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