Law “On Foreigners”
The Albanian Parliament approved the law no. 79/2021 dated 24.06.2021 “On Foreigners” (“New Law”), effective from 03.11.2021.
The New Law aims to improve the legislative framework on migration and aligning migration legislation with the EU acquis and international conventions in the framework of the EU integration process.
In essence, it establishes more relaxed rules on migration as well as addresses the existing gaps in the Albanian legislation by introducing some novelties, so that to improve the regime of entry and exit, stay and work of foreigners in/from the Republic of Albania.
The New Law pays attention to the compliance of its provisions with the rights and freedoms provided for in the Constitution and ratified international instruments, so as to ensure that its provisions are in line with the principle of the highest interest, the principle of the right to family life, the principle of non-return, the principle of fair and transparent procedures. With the intention of embracing a good migration governance, it incorporates provisions to improve the rights of foreigners, in terms of protection of migrants and their family members, refugees as well as asylum seekers.
It facilitates access to integration programs and services for foreigners, the possibility of better provision of information and procedures for obtaining a residence permit, as well as the institutional strengthening for the effective provision of migration services.
The New Law provides for the improvement of the necessary mechanisms for the release of electronic visas on-line.
The New Law emphasizes the importance of the integration of foreigners in the economic, cultural and social life of the country. In terms of supervision and control of foreigners, it contains provisions on the respective obligations that are imposed on the participants in this process, which include public services, notaries, employers and other individuals or entities. Other provisions relate to fees for issuing visas, residence permits and unique permits and the punitive measures in case of non-compliance with these provisions.
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