British Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised the effectiveness of UK-Albania cooperation on tackling illegal migration during a joint press conference with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama in Tirana on Thursday, citing a 94% drop in arrivals of Albanian nationals by small boats to the UK.
“What we discussed was the effectiveness of our joint operations over the last two or three years, which have led to a dramatic reduction – from 12,000 to just 600 arrivals – a 94% drop,” Starmer told reporters. “We explored ways to expand this teamwork across the region and how to make it even more efficient, not only in curbing illegal migration but also in addressing cross-border criminal activities.”
Starmer was responding to a question from journalist Muhamet Veliu about the possibility of increasing seasonal work visa quotas for Albanian citizens. He said the UK government remains focused on returning failed asylum seekers and strengthening enforcement.
Starmer said the joint task force model developed with Albania had proven to be the most effective. “We don’t want to keep going in circles on the problem. We prefer to roll up our sleeves and solve it,” he said. “This task force is operational, and we are keen to support its work as an example for others.”