On 26 August 2026, Albania successfully completed its sixth voluntary repatriation mission from Syria, bringing five Albanian nationals, two women and three children, back to their homeland.

This operation represents another important step in the continued efforts of Albanian institutions to repatriate Albanian nationals from conflict areas, reflecting the State’s responsibility to protect its citizens and ensure compliance with legal and security procedures.

At Tirana International Airport, the repatriated nationals were received by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr Besfort Lamallari; the General Director of the State Police, Mr Skënder Hita; the National Coordinator for Countering Violent Extremism, Ms Lejdi Dervishi; and representatives of other institutions involved in the process.

The mission was carried out by the Task Force led by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, in close cooperation with strategic partners and with the support of the State Police and other Task Force members, including the Ministry of the Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and other line ministries. Local government structures and local government units were also involved in the process, under the coordination of the Coordination Center for Countering Violent Extremism (CVE Center).

This broad interinstitutional cooperation enables a coordinated and comprehensive approach throughout the repatriation process and in the following implementation of rehabilitation, reintegration, and resocialisation measures.

Within this framework, the CVE Center performs its coordinating role at the national level by coordinating the engagement of the responsible institutions and the continuation of the measures required for the rehabilitation, reintegration, and resocialisation of repatriated individuals.

Following their arrival in Albania, the repatriated nationals will receive the necessary assistance and undergo the relevant health and psychosocial assessments. The responsible institutions will continue their work to provide accommodation and support in accordance with individual and family needs.

“A humanitarian duty and a state obligation to ensure they have a new beginning under the protection of Albanian institutions.” — Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania

Repatriation is not merely a process of safe return to one’s homeland; it is also a human and State obligation to safeguard dignity, uphold rights, and provide the support necessary for a new beginning and sustainable reintegration into the family and community. The protection and well-being of children remains a particular priority throughout this process.

Albania’s experience across six repatriation missions represents good practice in the rehabilitation, reintegration, and resocialisation of repatriated citizens. This experience

demonstrates the importance of a comprehensive approach that combines security with child protection, social welfare, and sustainable reintegration into the family and community.

The CVE Center will continue to perform its coordinating role, in cooperation with the responsible institutions at central and local levels, to ensure continuity in the rehabilitation, reintegration, and resocialisation process in line with individual and family needs.

Albania will remain committed to strengthening interinstitutional cooperation and collaboration with strategic partners, with a view to ensuring the safe return and appropriate treatment of Albanian nationals who remain in conflict-affected areas whenever the necessary conditions for their repatriation are met.