ALBANIAN migrants crossing the Channel in small boats should not automatically be given asylum as they are unlikely to be at risk at home, MPs say.
They are fleeing a “safe country” and there is no clear basis for routinely accepting applications to stay, the Home Affairs select committee reports.
It says Albania is not at war and is a candidate to join the EU.
Of the 45,755 people who crossed the Channel last year, 12,301 were from Albania — compared to only 800 in 2021 — and most claimed asylum.
Dame Diana Johnson MP said: “Such a substantial sudden increase in asylum claims from a seemingly peaceful country understandably raised concerns.”
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While it is important that questions are asked and lessons are learnt, it is clear that the immigration picture is not static and will continue to evolve.
“Changes in migration will inevitably place strain on any system, but the Government must do much more to ensure it can better handle these stresses.
“People will continue to be attracted to the UK from Albania while it continues to offer job opportunities and higher wages.
“The UK should look at how access to work visa schemes can be improved to fill our skills or staffing gaps, while offering Albanian nationals a route to higher income, benefiting both nations.”
