POLITIKA SHTETERORE PER DIASPOREN ENGLISH

Government Policy For Diaspora RESPONSIBLE INSTITUTION: State Minister for Diaspora Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth ACTION 68 Organizing a coordinated media action plan to promote and motivate the Albanian di- aspora to take advantage of Albania for tourism and investment purposes. Drafting by the tourism line institutions of a promotional campaign, in cooperation with the private sector of a package that meets the expectations. Well-known diaspora characters in each market can be involved as icons to this campaign. INDICATORS: Organisation of an annual activity and media action plan; Preparation of a promotional campaign and a special package for the Diaspora; TERM: Second half of 2021 (periodic until 2025) RESPONSIBLE INSTITUTION: State Minister for Diaspora Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ministry of Culture VI. MONITORING AND TRANSPARENCY ACTION 69 Monitoring the National Diaspora Strategy Action Plan on a quarterly basis (through Peri- odic Bulletins) and providing information to the State Diaspora Committee and to the Sub- committee on Migration and Diaspora. The Subcommittee, when necessary, shall propose to the Parliament the adoption of resolutions addressing migration and Diaspora issues. TERM: First half of 2021 (periodic until 2025) RESPONSIBLE INSTITUTION: State Minister for Diaspora Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs ACTION 70 Evaluation by the Subcommittee on Migration and Diaspora and the State Committee on Diaspora in separate meetings of the Reporting documents from the following insti- tution: National Diaspora Agency; Albanian Diaspora Development Fund • Diaspora Publications Centre • Centre for the Study and Publications on Arbëresh. • • 399

Government Policy For Diaspora TERM: Second half of 2021 (periodic until 2025) RESPONSIBLE INSTITUTION: State Minister for Diaspora ACTION 71 The evaluation, discussion and proposals for changes to the National Strategy document and the action plan at the National Albanian Diaspora Assembly. These proposals will be considered as initiatives to carry out possible changes of the process. TERM: Second half of 2021 (periodic until 2025) RESPONSIBLE INSTITUTION: State Minister for Diaspora Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs ACTION 72 Determination of the indicators that will identify the implementation level of the actions set out in this strategy. Obligations of the institutions responsible for the implementation of the strategy to draft periodic reports of the actions undertaken, including quantitative and qualitative monitoring data, based on the determined indicators. TERM: First half of 2021 (periodic until 2025) RESPONSIBLE INSTITUTION: State Minister for Diaspora Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs 400

Government Policy For Diaspora ANNEX II – SOURCES OF FINANCING AND ACTIVITIES LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS State Minister for Diaspora Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs SMD Ministry of Finance and Economy MEFA Ministry of Justice MFE Ministry of Culture MJ State Minister for Entrepreneurship Protection MC Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy SMEP National Diaspora Agency MIE Institute of Statistics NDA Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth INSTAT Ministry of Interior MESY Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Develop- MI MARD Ministry of Health and Social Protection ment Ministry of Tourism and Environment MHSP MTE 401

Government Policy For Diaspora FINANCIAL SOURCES This Annex addresses the financial sources needed to implement the Albanian Diaspora National Strategy 2021-2025 Action Plan. The total estimated cost for the implementation of the Actions, for the 5-year period of implementation of the Action Plan, from all sources of funding, including the budget and donors, is approximately ALL 1.63 billion or approximately Euro 13.06 million. Sources from the state budget shall be allocated to the budgets of state institutions in charge of implementing the Action Plan. The allocation of funds for the period 2021-2023, has been programmed taking into account the ceilings of the medium-term draft-budget (MTBP 2021-2023). The financial sources from the state budget shall cover about 76.8% of the costs of the strategy, or about ALL 1.25 billion. Whereas the sources of financing committed by donors and oth- er sources shall cover 1.7% of the cost of the strategy, or approximately ALL 27.2 million. The financial gap not covered by the budget is 21.4%. It is part of additional budget requests and negotiations with various donors and consists mainly of costs for addi- tional activities such as: organisation of the Albanian Diaspora Assembly, establish- ment of a special assistance program for the micro-crediting institutions, in view of implementing policies aimed at channelling remittances through agreements with financial institutions in host countries and sending seconded teachers from Albania to the host countries. The costs required for the implementation of the NAP have been subtracted by costing each of the AP Actions separately. In calculating the total costs, the duration of each Action, the number of beneficiaries for certain activities, etc., have been taken into account. The costs of the Action Plan are estimated based on the budget planning practice. Table 1 introduces the budget in years by strategic objectives. 72.9% of expenditures are needed for strategic objective B. 402

Description Year 2021 Year 2022 Budget 2021 -2025 Year 2025 TOTALI OBJECTIVES Year 2023 Year 2024 Specific Objective A: Strength- 13,836,000 00 33,731,000 00 19,891,000 00 18,637,000 00 18,637,000 00 104,732,000 00 ening and developing relations 206,310,000 00 with theAlbanian Diaspora 292,096,800 00 206,072,000 00 280,096,800 00 206,072,000 00 1,190,647,600 00 Specific Objective B: Supporting 7,600,000 00 Diaspora activities 42,944,499 00 37,610,000 00 31,250,000 00 31,250,000 00 31,150,000 00 138,860,000 00 5,956,000 00 Specific Objective C: Creating 14,410,998 00 26,795,499 00 26,795,499 00 26,795,499 00 150,126,495 00 facilities in view of attracting 1,140,000 00 investments from the Diaspora 277,786,499 00 15,654,000 00 7,154,000 00 7,154,000 00 7,154,000 00 43,072,000 00 and the role of remittances Specific Objective D: Implemen- tation of programs for learning the Albanian language in the Diaspora Specific Objective E: Informing the Diaspora on the socio-economic developments in the country of origin Specific Objective F: Monitoring the implementation of the Na- tional Diaspora Strategy Action Plan TOTAL (1+2+3+4+5) Exchange Rate 1 Euro = ALL 125 Government Policy For Diaspora912,000 00 1,140,000 00912,000 001,140,000 005,244,000 00 403 394,414,798 00 292,302,499 00 364,845,299 00 290,948,499 00 1,632,682,095 00

Government Policy For Diaspora 404 Table 2 displays budget by source of financing and the financial gap for each of the specific objective. Table 2: Costing the implementation of the Action Plan broken down by objectives 2021-2025 Strategic objectives and sub-objectives Total Costs (in Financing (in 000/ALL) Financial Comments on objectives with financial Gap gaps covered by the strategic document 000/ALL) Budget Donors (in 000/ALL) 1,253,639.495 27.260 TOTAL 1,632,682.095 6.000 349,958.600 Specific Objective A: Strengthening and 104.732 72.113 26.619 developing relations with the Albanian Diaspora 40.478 26.978 0 13.500 Financings for the establishment of the 1.1 Establishment of an administrative 0 Albanian Culture Centres in the Dias- culture pora hosting countries is needed. 6.1440 1.2 Strengthening the legal framework 17.654 17.654 0 Funds are needed to conduct aware- on Diaspora 6.975 ness raising campaigns against viola- tion of migrants’ rights and to organize 1.3 Services and activities for the Di- 28.353 16.209 6.000 meetings of Albanian communities in aspora the Diaspora. Funds are needed for the training and 1.4 Strengthening the professional 18.247 11.272 0 certification of the diplomatic bodies capacities and networks on migration issues; organisation and support of Diaspora groups and asso- ciations

Specific Objective B: Supporting 1,190,647.6 1,048,708 0 141,939.6 Diaspora activities 0 990 2.1 Mechanisms for supporting 5.094 4.104 activities 0 166,653.6 25.704 140,949.6 Funds are needed for the organization 2.2 Links with the Albanian Diaspora 0 of Diaspora Assemblies and activities 0 0 broken down by professions 0 0 2.3 “Ambassador of the Nation” Award. 4.500 4.500 21.260 0 2.4 Diaspora Certificates 4.200 4.200 66.800 2.5 Specialist and scholars on Diaspora 1,010,200 1,010,200 Specific Objective C: Creating facilities 138.860 50.800 13.260 4.800 Funds for the establishment of admin- in view of attracting investments from 8.000 62.000 istrative structures at the local level the Diaspora and the role of remittances 23.660 5.600 for the information of the Diaspora are 3.1 Attracting investments from the 0 0 needed. Diaspora Funds are needed mainly for the assistance program for micro-credit 3.2 Formalization of Diaspora 71.400 1.400 institutions remittances 43.800 43.800 3.3 Engaging Diaspora in the economic life of the country Government Policy For Diaspora 405

Government Policy For Diaspora150,126.49573,126.4950 77.000 406 16.904 16.904 Specific Objective D: Implementation 79.364 6.894 00 of programs for learning the Albanian language in the Diaspora 0 72.500 Funds are needed to assign contracted 4.1 Program about culture in Albanian teachers from Albania to host countries language 4.2. Teachers in the Diaspora and to organize annual educational ac- tivities with Albanian teachers and stu- dents in the Diaspora. 4.3 Textbooks for the Diaspora 42,708.495 42,708.495 00 4.4 Students in Diaspora 11.150 6.650 0 4.500 Funds are needed to conduct an evalu- ation report on the difficulties of Alba- nian students studying abroad. These can also be funded by donors in the form of projects. Specific Objective E: Informing the 43.072 5.472 0 37.600 Diaspora on the socio-economic devel- 22.292 3.192 opments in the country of origin 0 19.100 Funds are needed for activities such as 5.1 Supporting information and media the annual organization of the Diaspora networks in Diaspora Media Forum; Project for strengthening the Public Television Channel for the Diaspora; media projects and exchange programs. These activities may require close cooperation with donors. These can also be funded by donors in the form of projects.

5.2 Informing the Albanian Diaspora 20.780 2.280 0 18.500 Funds for activities such as orga- nizing an information campaign on migrant registration and on the right to vote and organization of voting activities are needed. These activities may require close cooperation with the donors. Specific Objective F: Monitoring 5.244 5.244 00 the implementation of the National 5.244 5.244 Diaspora Strategy Action Plan 00 6.1 Monitoring and Evaluation Government Policy For Diaspora 407

Government Policy For Diaspora 408 ANNEX II – LIST OF ACTIVITIES BY ACTION Specific Objective A: Strengthening and developing relations with the Albanian Diaspora Out- Improving the national legal comes indicators: framework for Diaspora commitment; having adequate staff levels to ensure efficient imple- mentation and coordinate Diaspora commitment; Institutional capacity building; No. Sub-objec- Activities to be undertaken Time Source Responsible Outcomes & Indicators tive limit institution Time Financial in 000 ALL 1 State rela- Establishment of an Administrative 2021- 2.850 SMD MFE Coordination of state Number of institutions tions with Culture Coordination of responsible 2025 authorities responsible established in view the dias- state institutions the new legislation for relations with the of ensuring Albania’s pora appoints for the state relations with the Diaspora. commitment with the Diaspora, including: The National Di- Diaspora; aspora Agency, the Albanian Diaspora Development Fund, the Diaspora Pub- lications Centre and the Centre for the Study and Publications on Arbëresh. 1.1.2 Drafting a detailed plan for financ- 2021- 380 SMD MFE Drafting the plan for the Number of specific rec- ing the policies and actions foreseen in 2025 financing of the actions ommendations adopted the National Strategy Action Plan. of the National Diaspora in line with the imple- Strategy’s Action Plan. mentation of this Action Plan, to ensure a higher degree of responsibility and its successful imple- mentation. a representative.

1.1.3 Establishment of a specialized 2021- 14.400 SMD MFE A comprehensive legal Number of legal unit for the review of Diaspora legisla- 2025 MFE MESY reform of Albanian amendments adopted tion so as to undertake the necessary MC SMD legislation related to every year in view of amendments. Diaspora commitment, ensuring Albania’s SMD along with recom- commitment with the 1.1.4 Follow up to the necessary coor- 2021- 1.900 MEFA SMD mendations for legal Diaspora; dinating procedures to be discussed 2025 2.090 MESY amendments by line Number of the State in the Diaspora State Committee on 2021- 3.230 ministries. Diaspora Committee an annual basis and to project in the 2025 Discussion in the State meetings held for this operating annual budget (successive) 2021- Diaspora Committee purpose. the funds needed to implement the 2025 and provision of bud- National Diaspora Strategy and Action getary funds necessary Number of adopted Plan until 2025. for the implementation programs; Informa- 1.1.5 Adoption of the annual program of the National Diaspo- tion prepared for the of activities for the Diaspora (activities ra Strategy and Action National Diaspora including books, education, culture, Plan. Committee and the Al- tourism and business) in the State Adoption of the Na- banian Parliamentary Diaspora Committee and preparation tional Program on Subcommittee on Dias- of assessment reports for the State Diaspora. Preparation pora and Migration. Diaspora Committee and the Albanian of the assessment re- Number of published Parliamentary Subcommittee on Dias- port for the Diaspora reports. Number of pora and Migration. State Committee and publications prepared. 1.1.6 Drafting of annual reports by the Parliamentary Subcom- responsible institutions whereby data mittee on Diaspora and and evaluations on the Albanian com- Migration. munities in the host countries shall Preparation and publi- be introduced. Development of a joint cation of annual reports publication on Diaspora reporting by the Bank of Albania Diaspora. and INSTAT. Joint Government Policy For Diasporapublication on annual reports. 409

Government Policy For Diaspora 410 1.1.7 Establishment of Albanian Cultur- 2022 13.500 MEFA Establishment of Alba- Number of Culture al Centres in the countries hosting the SMD nian Cultural Centres Centres established. Diaspora, in cooperation with Kosovo, MFE in Diaspora hosting in the framework of preserving the MC countries. Budgeting Drafting the reports national identity and providing ser- MESY program prepared; and reporting to the vices and information to the Albanian added commitment by National Diaspora communities in the Diaspora. MEFA the embassies/consular Committee and the SMD offices and Diaspora Albanian Parliamentary 1.1.8 Periodic reassessment of services 2022 2.128 MFE community organisa- Subcommittee on Dias- policy, procedures and respective tar- -2025 MESY tions; pora and Migration. iffs. MJ Drafting the report by Number of strategic SMD the National Agency of documents aligned Strengthening the legal framework 2021- 1.140 MESY Diaspora. Reporting to with the National Dias- on Diaspora 2025 MFE the National Diaspora pora Strategy. 1.2.1 Assessing other existing or to be MHSP Committee and the Number of annual adopted national strategies against the Albanian Parliamentary meetings held. National Strategy and Action Plan for Subcommittee on Dias- Diaspora. Organisation of technical pora and Migration. annual meetings on this purpose. Aligning other existing or to- be-adopted na- tional strategies with the National Diaspora Strategy. Organisation of techni- cal annual meetings.

1.2.2 Review the framework of existing 202 - 3.040 MEFA SMD Review of migration and Number of reviewed migration agreements with countries 2025 MFE employment agreements agreements. Number of hosting Albanian communities in the 3.100 with the countries host- reporting to the State Diaspora. Negotiate the framework of 2021- 2.850 ing Albanian Diaspora. Diaspora Committee. employment agreements with the host 2025 2.660 Annual reporting to the countries in order to include training 2021- State Diaspora Com- agreements, or to discuss them in par- 2025 mittee. ticular. Annual reporting to the State 2021- Diaspora Committee. 2025 MEFA SMD Organization of annual Number of activities 1.2.3 Strengthening Albania’s relations activities to evaluate the held. with the countries hosting Albanian structure of diplomatic communities and orienting the work and consular represen- program of the diplomatic and consul- tation. ar services towards strengthening the status of the Albanian Diaspora. MEFA SMD Cooperating for the Number of projects 1.2.4 Cooperation with the institutions MEFA MJ preparation of projects prepared in coopera- responsible for applications with proj- MI SMD addressing the Albanian tion with national and ects on culture to national Diaspora. international donors. and international donors. Assessing the existing Number of reviewed 1.2.5 Reassessing the structure of the legal framework in acts. Number of activi- existing legal acts and agreements in the field of migration. ties held. the field of migration, in view of ex- Organisation of annual panding the sphere of protection of the meetings on this pur- Albanian communities abroad, in line pose. with the international standards. Or- ganisation of annual meetings for the re-evaluation of existing legal acts in the field of migration and implement- ing the procedures for the ratification of international documents in place. Government Policy For Diaspora 411

Government Policy For Diaspora 412 1.2.6 Institutional cooperation with 2022- 4.560 MEFA Establishment of bilater- Number of established hosting countries. Establishment of 2025 304 SMD al commissions. commissions. bilateral consultative commissions 2021 MJ and public information on the prog- ress made. MEFA Establishing contacts Establishing contacts; 1.2.7 Establishment of regular contacts SMD and cooperation with number of issues ad- with the European Group of Regional NDA ERLAI. dressed or services, and Local Authorities (ERLAI) in the MJ Continuous provision of follow to establishing field of Immigration. MEFA information to the State cooperation with this MJ SMD Diaspora Committee on group (ERLAI). 1.3 Services and activities for the 2021- 2.280 MESY the state of use of the Number of reporting Diaspora 2025 4.125 on-line consular services to the State Diaspora 1.3.1 Providing periodic information to 2021- MEFA to Albanian citizens Committee. Number of the State diaspora Committee on the 2025 MI abroad. activities held. situation of Albanian citizens abroad SMD concerning services through the on- Expansion of the Na- Number of reporting line consular platform. Organisation of tional Civil Registry with performed. technical annual meetings. data on migrants and 1.3.2 Expansion of the National Civil organisation of activities Registry with data on migrants and abroad. Periodic report- organisation of activities abroad. ing to the National Dias- Periodic reporting to the National pora Committee and the Diaspora Committee and the Albanian Albanian Parliamentary Parliamentary Subcommittee on Dias- Subcommittee on dias- pora and Migration. pora and Migration.

1.3.3 Dissemination of information on 2022- 3.040 MEFA Dissemination of infor- Preparation and the status, rights as well as services 2025 MJ mation on the status dissemination of bro- provided to Albanian communities in MI and rights of Albanian chures, leaflets, apps, the host countries. Organisation of SMD communities in the etc. Number of activi- technical annual meetings. MESY Diaspora. Organisation ties held. MEFA of technical annual Number of reporting Realization of communications 2021- 4.180 SMD NDA meetings. performed. between Albanian organizations in 2025 MHSP MJ Establishing coopera- the Diaspora and local associations. tion between Albanian Number of bilateral Periodic reporting to the National MEFA SMD organizations in the agreements under Diaspora Committee and the Albanian MFE MHSP Diaspora and local negotiation; number Parliamentary Subcommittee on Dias- MJ associations for the of bilateral agreements pora and Migration. protection of emigrants. signed; number of Periodic reporting to the bilateral agreements 1.3.5 Negotiating bilateral agreements 2021- 1.824 National Diaspora Com- concluded. with host countries. Review of prac- 2025 mittee and the Albanian Number of reporting tices for collecting voluntary social Parliamentary Subcom- performed. insurance contributions. mittee on Diaspora and Periodic reporting to the National Migration. Diaspora Committee and the Albanian Negotiating bilateral Parliamentary Subcommittee on Dias- agreements with host pora and Migration. countries in the field of social insurance. Reporting to the Nation- al Diaspora Committee and the Albanian Parlia- mentary Subcommittee on Diaspora and Migra- tion. Government Policy For Diaspora 413

Government Policy For DiasporaMEFA SMDConduct of awareness- MJ raising campaigns 414 against violations of mi- 1.3.6 Conduct of awareness-raising 2023- 2.679 grants’ rights. Reporting Number of campaigns campaigns against violations of 2025 to the National Diaspora performed. Number of migrants’ rights. Coordination for Committee and reporting performed. periodic reporting of cases of violation the Albanian Parliamen- of the rights of Albanian migrants. tary Subcommittee on Period reporting to the State Diaspora Diaspora and Migration. Committee and the Albanian Parlia- mentary Subcommittee on Diaspora and Migration. 1.3.7 Coordination and organization 2021- 3.465 MEFA SMD Organisation of meet- Number of activities of meetings of Albanian communities 2025 MC MTE ings or “Days of Albania” held. Number of techni- in the Diaspora on the basis of annual MIE MHSP in the countries hosting cal annual meetings. programs. Organisation of technical MEFA SMD Albanian communities Number of meetings annual meetings. MHSP in the Diaspora. Organi- held. MTE sation of technical annu- Number of signed/ 1.3.8 Coordination with public and 2022- 6.000 MC MEFA al meetings. amended agreements. private Health Institutions, on promot- 2025 760 SMD Preparation of an Number of reporting ing health tourism. Preparation of an 2021 awareness-raising performed. awareness- raising campaign on health campaign on health tourism. Organisation of tourism. Organisation technical annual meetings. of technical annual 1.3.9 Signing and/or amending bilat- meetings. eral agreements with the countries Signing/amending hosting Diaspora for the nclusion of agreements with the the Albanian Diaspora community in host countries. Report- their cultural life. Periodic reporting to ing to the National Dias- the National Diaspora Committee and pora Committee and the the Albanian Parliamentary Subcom- Albanian Parliamentary mittee on Diaspora and Migration. Subcommittee on Dias- pora and Migration.

1.4 Strengthening the professional 2022- 1.824 SMD MESY Establishment and Number of scholars in capacities and networks 2025 MEFA administration of a the network. Number of 1.4.1 Organizing and administering 3.250 network of scholars in meetings held. a network of foreign and Albanian 2021- 1.900 the field of migration. researchers specialized in the field of 2025 3.600 Organisation of migration. Organisation of technical 2021 technical meetings annual meetings. -2025 1.4.2 Organization of general 2021 MJ MESY Identification of Number of trainings and periodic special trainings. -2025 MEFA SMD training needs; Design organised. Number of Identification of needs and experts. of modules; Conducting annual meetings held. Preparation of the training modules. SMD trainings; Organisation Organisation of technical annual MEFA of the annual technical Number of agreements meetings. MESY meeting concluded; Number of 1.4.3 Establish cooperation with MJ Drafting cooperation trainings organised. higher education institutions in order MEFA agreements; Organizing Number of persons to organize trainings in the field of MI trainings in the field of trained; Number of migration. SMD migration. trainings completed; 1.4.4 Drafting of practical manuals MJ Drafting of manuals; Number of reports on laws/by-laws. Training and Organisation of training made certification of the diplomatic corps for the diplomatic in Albania on migration issues. body; Reporting to Periodic reporting to the National the National Diaspora Diaspora Committee and the Albanian Committee and the Parliamentary Subcommittee on Albanian Parliamentary Diaspora and Migration. Subcommittee on Diaspora and Migration. Government Policy For Diaspora 415

Government Policy For Diaspora1.824MEFARegister creation; 3.375 SMD Reporting to the 416 MJ National Diaspora 1.4.5 Creation of a register for Albanian 2022 Committee and the Number of Albanian citizens sentenced to imprisonment -2025 MEFA Albanian Parliamentary citizens suffering abroad. Periodic reporting to the 2022 SMD Subcommittee on deprivation of liberty National Diaspora Committee Diaspora and Migration. in prisons abroad; and the Albanian Parliamentary SMD MEFA Organizing networks by Number of reports Subcommittee on Diaspora and MD trade, areas of interest performed Migration. MHSP or geographical location; 1.4.6 Organizing and supporting MEFA Implementation of Number of networks Diaspora groups and associations; SMD specific projects established; Number of NDA on this purpose projects implemented. 1.4.7 Organization of annual meetings 2022 1.980 MJ Organisation of with the business’ networks -2025 activities Number of activities organised; Number of 1.4.8 Supporting Albanian Diaspora 2023 494 Supporting the participants organizations in establishing local strengthening and Number of local advisory structures. Periodic reporting expansion of Albanian structures established; to the National Diaspora Committee Diaspora organizations. Number of reporting and the Albanian Parliamentary Periodic reporting to performed. Subcommittee on Diaspora and the National Diaspora Migration. Committee and the Albanian Parliamentary Subcommittee on Diaspora and Migration.

Specific Objective B: Supporting Diaspora activities Outcomes indicators: Assessment of the orga- nizational level of Albanian communities in the No. Sub-objec- Activities to be undertaken Time Source Diaspora and promotion of the organization tive limit Financial of networks of professionals; Establishment of Time in 000 ALL the Albanian Diaspora Women Network; Orga- 3.800 nization of the Albanian Diaspora Assembly; Establishment of a special register of Albanian 304 associations operating in host countries; Responsible Outcomes & Indicators 990 institution 1 Organi- 2.1 Mechanisms for supporting Dias- 2021- SMD Assessment of the Periodic reporting to the zation of pora activities 2025 MEFA organizational level of National Diaspora Com- diaspora 2.1.1 Assessment of the level of organi- MESY Albanian communities mittee and the Albanian sation of the Albanian Diaspora com- MC in the Diaspora and Parliamentary Subcom- munities in the host countries. SMD promotion of the orga- mittee on Diaspora and MEFA nization of networks of Migration. 2.1.2 Designation of an action plan with 2021 professionals. Adoption of the action the Diaspora Coordination Council in Drafting of an action plan view of organizational strengthening plan and Albanian community Albanian 2.1.3 Preparation of a joint Action Plan with the State of Kosovo. Government Policy For Diaspora 417 MEFA Coordination with the Drafting of an action plan; MESY Republic of Kosovo coordination of Memo- SMD on relations with the randums with Montene- Albanian Diaspora in gro, North Macedonia and the framework of exist- Serbia; Periodic reporting ing agreements between to the National Diaspora the two states. Agency and the Albanian Parliamentary Subcom- mittee on Diaspora and Migration.

Government Policy For Diaspora 418 2.2 Links with the Albanian Diaspora 2022- 1.824 MEFA SMD Establishment of the Identification of wom- 2.2.1 Network of Albanian Women in 2025 MHSP Albanian Diaspora en leaders in the Alba- Diaspora Women Network; nian Diaspora. Network promotion. Identification of wom- en leaders in the Alba- 2.2.2 Organization of Diaspora Women 2022- 15.800 MARD Organization of Dias- nian Diaspora. Summit 2025 MEFA SMD pora Women Summit MHSP promotion of network. 2.2.3 Organisation of Albanian Diaspo- 2021- 132,249.6 SMD Organisation of the Establishment of the ra Assembly 2025 MEFA MFE Albanian Diaspora Working Group for the MESY Assembly arrangement and orga- nization of the second Diaspora Assembly; Organisation of the Albanian Diaspora Assembly. 2.2.4 Identifying cultural, sports, edu- 2021- 2.280 MEFA Development of a Number of associations cational, social, scientific associations 2025 MESY special register of identified; Periodic operating in the host countries. MC Albanian associations reporting to the SMD operating in the host National Diaspora countries. Committee and the Albanian Parliamentary Subcommittee on Diaspora and Migration. 2.2.5 Organisation of activities based 2021- 14.500 SMD Organizing activities Number of activities on professions which promote profes- 2025 MEFA MESY based on the trade of organized ; number of sional networks and identification of MC Diaspora members persons attending the human resources. activities; number of countries where activi- ties were organized.

2.3 “Ambassador of the Nation” 2021- 4.500 SMD Promoting the cases of Establishment of a Award. 2025 MEFA successful personalities network of Ambassa- 2.3.1 Promoting the cases of successful SMD and awarding the prize dors; number of prizes personalities and awarding the prize MEFA Endowing the awarded; frequency of participants in the awarding. 2.4 Diaspora Certificates 2021 4.200 Summer School with Enactment of the 2.4.1 Endowing the participants in the the certificate “I am Summer School project; Summer School with the certificate “I Albanian” number of participants am Albanian” in the Summer School; distribution of the “I am Albanian” Certificate. 2.5 Specialist and scholars on Diaspora 2023- 1.800 SMD Development of a number of professionals 2.5.1 Development of a qualified Diaspo- 2025 MEFA qualified Diaspora identified; identifying ra register MFE register Diaspora skills, 2.5.2 Creating opportunities and fa- 2023- 1,000,000 MIE education and cilities for Albanian students to study 2025 MESY experiences. abroad SMD MEFA Creating opportunities Number of students MFE and facilities for about to study abroad; MIE Albanian students to establishment of a MESY study abroad by means Diaspora network; of a network established Organization of a in the Diaspora technical annual activity Government Policy For Diaspora 419

Government Policy For Diaspora 420 Specific Objective C: Creating facilities in view of attracting investments from the Diaspora and Outcomes indicators: Organizing annual ac- the role of remittances tivities with businesses in the Diaspora; Estab- lishment of special offices for attracting invest- ments from the Diaspora; taking the necessary steps to formalize shipments No. Sub-objec- Activities to be undertaken Time Source Responsible Outcomes & Indicators tive limit Financial institution Time in 000 ALL 1 Econom- 3.1 Attracting investments from the 2022 760.000 MFE SMD Organizing an annual Number of activities ics and Diaspora MHSP activity with businesses organised; number of business 3.1.1 Strengthening the cooperation of in the Diaspora; Estab- businesses included in the Diaspora Business Chamber with lishment of the Diaspo- the Register; number Albanian businesses in the Diaspora; ra Business Register. of businesses affiliat- promoting their membership in the ed with the Diaspora Chamber Chamber of Commerce 3.1.2 Establishment of administrative 2022 - 4.800 MI MFE Establishment of local Number of local ad- structures at the local level; Program 2025 SMD MHSP administrative struc- ministrative structures on informing Diaspora on investment tures; drafting of a pro- established; Number of possibilities. gram for informing the reporting Diaspora on investment opportunities; report- ing to the State Diaspo- ra Committee and the Albanian Parliamentary Subcommittee on Diaspora and Migration.

3.1.3 Establishment of administrative 2022 5.600 MFE MFA Establishment of the Number of established offices in the relevant financial 2021 - 12.500 SMD MEFA special offices offices institutions. financial 2025 MHSP Organisation of annual Number of activities 3.1.4 Organization of annual meetings MFE MIE meetings held with the business’ networks SMD MHSP MARD Completion of the Number of assessments 3.2 Formalization of Diaspora 2022 - 6.000 MTE annual review/study performed; degree remittances 2025 MFE with measures to of completion of the 3.2.1 Conduct of an annual review of SMD encourage the transfer defined measures actions for the transfer of migrant 2022 - 1.400 MEFA of remittances through remittances from informal to formal 2025 formal routes transfer routes, by applying less 2021 - 2.000 operational costs. 2025 MFE Organisation of Number of activities 3.2.2 Organisation of the Annual SMD annual meetings on held remittances’ assessment activity; MEFA remittances Assessment of coherent policies concerning remittances flows MFE Expansion of banking Number of banking abroad SMD services designed for the services tailor-made for 3.2.3 Establishment of cooperation MHSP Diaspora; deployment the Diaspora with the Bank of Albania and second- of ad hoc services as far tier banks for the expansion of as possible banking services for the Diaspora Government Policy For Diaspora 421

Government Policy For Diaspora 422 3.2.4 Development of a special 2022 - 62.000 MFE Development of the Number of agreements assistance program for the micro- 2025 SMD assistance program entered into; crediting institutions, in view of 2022 - 6.000 MHSP for micro-credit implementation of the implementing policies aimed at 2025 MEFA SMD institutions; concluding assistance program; channelling remittances through 2022 - 13.200 MFE MARD relevant agreements; number of activities agreements with financial institutions 2025 Organisation of held. in host countries. Organisation of the annual activity Number of agreements annual meetings to support micro- concerning the micro- concluded; Number crediting institutions credit institutions of offices established; 3.3 Engaging Diaspora in the Conclusion of the Number of reports economic life of the country bilateral agreements; made 3.3.1 Development of a special Establishment of program on favourable measures or the contact office; negotiation of bilateral agreements; Periodic reporting to Establishment of a contact and the National Diaspora coordination office for foreign Committee and the labour markets. Periodic reporting Albanian Parliamentary to the National Diaspora Committee Subcommittee on and the Albanian Parliamentary Diaspora Subcommittee on Diaspora and and Migration. Migration 3.3.2 Organisation of annual programs MEFA Drafting the programs Number of activities of activities aiming at promoting MARD SMD of activities for the included in the Albanian agricultural and food MTE promotion of Albanian program products. agricultural and food Albanian

3.3.3 Organisation of annual activities; 2022 - 1.200 MARD Development of a map Number of food Development of a map of restaurants 2025 MEFA SMD of restaurants and businesses and and businesses in Diaspora. MHSP businesses in Diaspora; restaurants identified; SMD MEFA Organisation of annual number of activities 3.3.4 Development of an electronic 2021 - 1.900 MoI activities for the held. database of Diaspora professionals. 2025 MFE promotion of Albanian Number of qualifies MIE Albanian professionals included MESY Development of an on the database electronic database of Diaspora professionals’ CVs. 3.3.5 Development of an annual pro- 2021 - 21.500 MTE Drafting of the Annual Adoption of the Annual gramme of activities in view of the 2025 SMD MEFA Program Program tourism season in Albania. MC Government Policy For Diaspora 423

Government Policy For Diaspora 424 Specific Objective D: Implementation of programs for learning the Albanian language in the Outcomes indicators: continuous provision of Diaspora/programs for teaching in the Diaspora; textbooks; implementation of joint curricula with Kosovo; promotion of support for teachers in the Diaspora; evaluation of programs offer- ing scholarships to Albanian students abroad No. Sub-objec- Activities to be undertaken Time Source Responsible Outcomes & Indicators tive limit institution Time Financial in 000 ALL 4 Education 4.1 Program about Albanian culture 2021- 760 SMD MESY Continuous provision Activity for the annual and and language 2025 MEFA of textbooks assessment of the teaching 4.1.1 Annual assessment of the needs needs for textbooks; for books in view of learning in Alba- nian language and the teaching Alba- nian cultural heritage to children in the Diaspora. 4.1.2 Development of a curricula for 2022- 4.920 SMD MESY Review of practices and Carrying out an annual learning Albanian culture, heritage 2025 ACADEMY conditions for the ed- activity for reviewing and language abroad OF ucation of the younger practices and condi- SCIENCES generations of the Dias- tions for education pora in Albanian tongue and re-evaluating the and reassessment of design of teaching cur- curricula development. ricula; 4.1.3 Improving and supporting com- 2021- 7.500 SMD MESY Establish cooperation Carrying out an activity mon curricula with Kosovo for teach- 2025 MEFA with partner institu- for the annual assess- ing in Albanian language. tions to improve and ment of the needs and support common cur- quality of the textbooks; ricula with Kosovo number of partner institutions; number of documents drafted.

4.1.4 Reassessment of the joint 2022- 760 SMD MESY Cooperative Establishment of a agreements with the state of Kosovo 2025 MEFA development with Technical Commission supporting Albanian language and SMD MESY Kosovo through the for the evaluation of culture teaching in the Diaspora. MEFA drafting of agreements Agreements with the SMD MESY to support the teaching Republic of Kosovo, 4.1.5 Reassessment of the legal 2022- 1.064 MEFA of Albanian culture in view of organising framework regarding the responsibility 2025 1.900 and language in the annual meetings and of the Albanian state to enable 2021- SMD Diaspora conclusions; Albanian language teaching in the 2025 MESY Review of the legal Drafting of a detailed Diaspora. MEFA framework to enable analytical report 4.1.6 Signing of cooperation Albanian language agreements with educational teaching in the Carrying out an institutions in the host countries Diaspora. annual activity for opening a number of courses in Creating and promoting for the evaluation Albanian language. programs for teaching of cooperation the Albanian language agreements and for the state-of-art of opening Compilation of the courses in the Albanian register with Diaspora language; number of teachers; including agreements. their location and Number of teachers schools whereby they identified in the teach. Diaspora teachers’ register; number of countries where they serve. Government Policy For Diaspora 425 4.2. Teachers in the Diaspora 2022- 760 4.2.1 Establishment of the Register of 2025 Teachers in the Diaspora and creation of programs to support in view of implementing the standards for teachers in the Diaspora.

Government Policy For Diaspora 426 4.2.2 Development of programs to sup- 2022- 1.064 SMD MESY Development of sup- Number of supporting port the implementation of standards 2025 MEFA porting programs programs, number of for teachers in the Diaspora. SMD MESY Organisation of educa- countries where these MEFA tional activities programs are imple- 4.2.3 Organisation of annual educa- 2022- 10.000 SMD MESY Certification of teach- mented. tional activities with Albanian teachers 2025 MEFA ers Number of activities and students in the Diaspora. SMD MESY Drafting of a pension held; number of coun- MEFA scheme for teachers in tries where these activ- 4.2.4 Certification of teachers 2022- 1.216 SMD MESY the Diaspora. ities will be held. num- 4.2.5 Drafting of a pension scheme for 2025 MEFA Training of teachers ber of participants; teachers in the Diaspora. 2022- 1.824 who will teach in the Number of certified 2025 SMD MESY Diaspora teachers MEFA 4.2.6 Training of teachers to teach in 2021- 2.000 Sending teachers from Establishment of an the Diaspora, including common cur- 2025 Albania to host coun- institutional framework ricula with Kosovo. tries and process on issues concerning the pen- 4.2.7 Sending seconded teachers from 2021- 62.500 sions of teachers Albania to host countries 2025 in Diaspora. Establishment of a permanent structure that shall follow on the training of teachers; strengthening the permanent structure (Diaspora Publications Centre) Number of teachers; countries whereby they shall be sent

4.2.7 Sending seconded teachers from 2021- 62.500 SMD Sending teachers from Number of teachers; Albania to host countries 2025 MESY Albania to host coun- countries whereby they MEFA tries shall be sent 4.3 Textbooks for the Diaspora 2021- 21,157.5 SMD On-going provision of Number of textbooks; 4.3.1 On-going provision of textbooks 2025 MESY textbooks for the Di- countries whereby for the Diaspora MEFA aspora textbooks shall be de- SMD Worldwide delivery of livered to 4.3.2 Development of “Learn Albanian” 2021 21.551 MESY textbooks and creation Number of on-line and “e-book” project MEFA of facilities to supply textbooks’ downloads everyone with the provided for in the Di- 4.4 Students in Diaspora 2021- 1.520 SMD necessary materials for aspora education pro- 4.4.1 Review and orientation of pro- 2025 MESY Albanian language and gram; implementation grams/donors who offer study abroad MEFA culture learning. of the “e-book” project scholarships in the areas of expertise SMD MESY Evaluation and orien- for the distribution of needed in Albania. MEFA tation of programs/ textbooks on-line donors who offer schol- Realization of peri- arships odic information to the State Diaspora Development of the Committee on the ori- register of Albanian entation of programs/ students enrolled in donors of interest for universities abroad Albania; Establishment of the register of Albanian students abroad; num- ber of students; identi- fication of their areas of specialization. Government Policy For Diaspora 427 4.4.2 Development of a register of Alba- 2021- 2.280 nian students enrolled in universities 2025 abroad and their areas of specializa- tion

Government Policy For DiasporaNumber of information annual meetings. 428 4.4.3 Promoting communication 2021- 2.850 SMD Promoting communica- between Albanian students studying 2025 MESY tion between Albanian abroad MEFA students studying abroad 4.4.4. Compiling an evaluation report 2022- 4.500 SMD MESY Compiling an evalu- Evaluation report; iden- on the difficulties of Albanian students 2025 MEFA ation report on the tifying student diffi- studying abroad. difficulties of Albanian culties and influencing students studying factors; informing the abroad. State Diaspora Com- mittee.

Specific Objective E: Informing the Diaspora on the socio-economic Outcomes Indicators: Development of a Implementation of in the country of origin projects to strengthen the role of the database on media in the Albanian Diaspora; Organisation of information campaigns; media No. Sub-objec- Activities to be undertaken Time Source in the Diaspora; Organisation of periodic tive limit Financial activities Time Responsible Outcomes & Indicators institution 5 Media and 5.1 Supporting information and in 000 ALL SMD Development and up- Number of Diaspora Communi- media networks in Diaspora 2022 - 1.368 MEFA date of a database of newspapers, websites, 5.1.1 Development of a database of 2025 Diaspora newspapers, radios and televisions SMD websites, radios and tele- identified; number of cation Diaspora newspapers, websites, radi- MEFA visions; Establishment activities carried out SMD of Albanian televisions os and televisions and organisation MEFA and radios networks in Number of awareness- of an annual activity with Diaspora SMD Diaspora; organisation raising campaigns; journalists MEFA of annual activities on Number of participants this purpose to the activity 5.1.2 Establishment of an information 2022- 1.834 Development of an Number of participants network to petition against and raise 2025 information network to in the activity; project awareness on the violations of mi- raise awareness on the preparation; Project grants’ rights. violations of financing; Its imple- Government Policy For Diasporamigrants’ rights.mentation Organisation of 429 Diaspora Media Forum. 5.1.3 Organization of the annual 2022- 1.600 Organization of the Diaspora Media Forum. 2025 activity; Implementa- 5.1.4 Carrying out an annual activity 2021- 10.000 tion of the project for for TV programs for the Diaspora; the TVSH 3 Project for empowering TVSH 3 - the 2025 public television channel on Diaspora;

Government Policy For Diaspora 430 5.1.5 Preparation of projects on me- 2021- 7.500 SMD Adoption and imple- Project preparation; dia and exchange and internships 2025 MEFA mentation of media Project financing; programs. Organisation of annual MESY projects; Implementa- Number of internship activities SMD tion of internship pro- programs; number of MEFA grams; organization of activities organised 5.2 Informing the Albanian 2021 - 2.280 NAIS an annual activity Number of reporting Diaspora 2025 MEFA MI Conducting reporting performed; Number of 5.2.1 Periodic reporting on the quality 2021 5.000 SMD MIE on the quality of meetings held. of the websites of the institutions. MFE institutions’ websites Organisation of annual meetings MEFA MI and the information Number of countries with persons in charge of the state SMD MIE they provide for the where the awareness- institutions’ websites MFE Diaspora; Organization raising campaign will be 5.2.2 Organizing an awareness- raising of the annual meeting organised; Preparation campaign on the registration of Organisation of an of on-line brochures on migrants and on the right to vote; information and this purpose awareness-raising Number of participants; 5.2.3 Organization of an annual 2021 3.500 campaign on migrants’ activity, in cooperation with the registration; Albanian Parliament, on the right to vote of Albanian citizens living abroad Organisation of activities; 5.2.4 Organisation of an annual activity 2021 10.000 SMD MEFA Conducting a promo- Number of activities and media action plan; Preparation of -2025 MC tional campaign aimed organised; Number of a promotional campaign and a special at attracting the Dias- participants package for the Diaspora pora; Organization of an annual activity

Specific Objective F: Monitoring the implementation Outcomes indicators: Publication of the of the National Diaspora Strategy Action Plan Periodic Bulletin; Reporting from responsible institutions; Discussions on the proposals for No. Sub-objec- Activities to be undertaken Time Source the revision of the National Diaspora Strategy tive limit Financial document Time in 000 ALL Responsible Outcomes & Indicators 2.280 institution 6 Monitor- 6.1 Monitoring and Evaluation 2021 950 SMD MEFA Publication of the Peri- Number of Bulletins ing and 6.1.1 Publication of the Periodic Bulle- -2025 SMD odic Bulletin; Reporting published; Number of transpar- tin every 3 months on the implemen- to the State Diaspora reporting performed. ency tation of the Action Plan. Reporting Committee for Diaspo- Number of reporting to the State Diaspora Committee for ra and the Subcommit- performed Diaspora and the Subcommittee on tee on Migration and Migration and Diaspora Diaspora Reporting of the state 6.1.2 Reporting in writing to the Sub- 2021 institutions in charge committee on Diaspora and Migration -2025 of Diaspora to the Sub- of the National Diaspora Agency, the committee on Diaspora Albanian Diaspora Development Fund, and Migration. the Diaspora Publications Centre and the Centre for the Study and Publica- tions on Arbëresh. Government Policy For Diaspora 431

Government Policy For Diaspora 432 6.1.3 Evaluation and discussions on the 2021 684 SMD MEFA Discussions on the pro- Receiving proposals for review of the National Diaspora Strat- -2025 SMD MEFA posals for amending/ amending the National egy in the Albanian Diaspora National revising the National Diaspora Strategy and Assembly Diaspora Strategy and Action Plan the Action Plan Number of reporting 6.1.4 Drafting reports by institutions 2021 Drafting of reports by performed responsible for the implementation -2025 the responsible insti- of the National Diaspora Strategy and tutions Action Plan 1.330

Government Policy For Diaspora PILLAR 1 STATE RELATIONS WITH THE DIASPORA 28 ACTIONS PILLAR 2 ORGANIZATION OF DIASPORA 9 ACTIONS PILLAR 3 ECONOMY AND BUSINESS 14 ACTION PILLAR 4 EDUCATION AND TEACHING 10 ACTION PILLAR 5 MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION 7 ACTION PILLAR 6 MONITORING AND TRANSPARENCY 4 ACTION 433

Government Policy For Diaspora PILLAR 1 STATE RELATIONS WITH THE DIASPORA Action 1.1 Establishment of a new administrative culture A1, A2, A3, A5, A12, A20 Action 1.2 Strengthening the legal framework on Diaspora A4, A6, A7, A8, A9, A16, A18 Action 1.3 Services and activities for the Diaspora A10, A11, A17, A19, A21, A25, A26, A27, A28 Action 1.4 Strengthening the professional capacities and networks A13, A14, A15, A22, A23, A24 434

Government Policy For Diaspora ACTIONS INCLUDED IN PILLAR 1 Coordination of responsible state institutions the new legislation appoints for the state relations with the Diaspora, including: The National Diaspora Agency, the Albanian Diaspora Development Fund, the Diaspora Publications Centre and the Centre for the Study and Publications on Arbëresh. Drafting a detailed plan for financing the policies and actions foreseen in the National Strategy Action Plan. Establishment of a specialized unit for the review of Diaspora legislation so as to undertake the necessary amendments. Adoption by the Diaspora State Committee of the Diaspora annual program of ac- tivities (activities involving books, education, culture, tourism and business) and, in cooperation with the Albanian Parliament, assessment of the level of representa- tion and participation in these programs. Drafting of evaluating information for the Diaspora State Committee and Subcommittee and Diaspora and Migration Assembly. Follow up to the necessary coordinating procedures to be discussed in the Dias- pora State Committee on an annual basis and to project in the operating annual budget (successive) the funds needed to implement the National Diaspora Strategy and Action Plan until 2025. Consider the approach of other existing national strategies or to be adopted with the National Strategy and Action Plan for Diaspora. This process will carry out the management of existing or future state policies in relation to policies for the Albanian communities abroad. Drafting of annual reports by the responsible institutions whereby data and eval- uations on the Albanian communities in the host countries shall be introduced. Drafting of a common publication on reporting on the Albanian Diaspora. Review the existing framework of migration agreements with the countries hosting Albanian communities in the Diaspora. Negotiate the framework of employment agreements with the host countries in order to include in these training agreements, or to discuss them in particular. Re- assessment in cooperation with EU countries and special projects to facilitate the implementation of employment agreements, taking advantage of the provisional and special legislation of the host countries, which have a shortage of manpower. Promoting and strengthening Albania’s relations with the countries hosting Alba- nian communities and the work program of the diplomatic and consular services, with a special focus on strengthening the status of the Albanian Diaspora. 435

Government Policy For Diaspora Establishing coordination on the basis of an adopted program of projects with international donors, for the implementation of the Action Plan or covering the needs of the Albanian Diaspora. Reassessing the existing legal acts in the field of migration, in view of expanding the sphere of protection of the Albanian communities abroad, in line with the interna- tional standards. It aims at their alignment with the Acquis Communautaire and the implementation of procedures for the finalisation of ratification of international instruments in this field (if not yet implemented). Establishment and continuity of information structures for the orientation of Albanian citizens abroad on the use of consular and diplomatic services provided by Albanian missions (on-line platform). Providing information about non-gov- ernmental organizations accredited by the host country, which provide legal assis- tance and protection to foreign communities. Evaluation and expansion of the National Civil Registry and the database with data on migrants and periodic review of the legal basis for the registration of migrants. Defining the responsibilities and data to be collected as well as identifying and planning the establishment of the relevant network and infrastructure. Organisation of public activities for the civil society focused on the system of registration and voting of citizens abroad. Establishing Albanian Cultural Centres in countries hosting the Diaspora, in co- operation with the state of Kosovo, in view of preserving the national identity, and provide services and information to the Albanian communities in Diaspora. Organisation of a network of foreign and Albanian scholars specialized in the field of migration and, civil servants specialized in institutions dealing with Diaspora and Migration policies. (Completion of the network with the names and details of researchers and civil servants from the National Diaspora Agency). Implementation of general and specific trainings with the state administration in the field of migration and their inclusion in the programs of Albanian universities. Organisation of periodic trainings on domestic and international legislation for of- ficials covering migration issues. Identification of the needs and experts in need of legal training. Development of related training modules and inclusion of such a module in the training of civil servants. 436

Government Policy For Diaspora Drafting practical manuals related to migration issues and making them available to officials involved in the practical implementation of the migration legislation. Identification of laws/bylaws that are implemented in practice by each institution that covers certain issues related to the Diaspora and migration. Training and cer- tification of the Albanian diplomatic corps regarding migration legislation and, in particular, on the rights of Albanian communities in the Diaspora. Promoting state cooperation with the institutions of the host countries which ad- dress migrants, women’s rights and children’s rights issues. Establishment of high level bilateral consultative commissions with the host countries for the protection of the rights of the Albanian diaspora communities and their periodical operation. Public information on the progress and development of this activity for the inter- ested parties. Drafting and dissemination of information (brochures, leaflets, websites, mobile apps, etc.) addressed to the Albanian communities in the Diaspora, on their status and rights, as well as the services provided by the diplomatic and consular missions and migrant associations, with the support of international organizations. Establishment of regular contacts with the European Group of European Regional and Local Authorities on Asylum and Immigration (ERLAI) based in Brussels, to assess the possibilities of supporting the protection policy for Albanian communities in the Diaspora in the host EU countries. Encouraging and intensifying contacts between Albanian organizations in the Diaspora and local associations, for the protection of emigrants. Identification of organizations in host countries for the protection of human and emigrant rights in these countries. Awareness raising through information available online, round tables and meetings on social and health protection in host and countries of origin. Periodic reassessment of services policy, procedures and respective tariffs. Based on the information received from the representations, the drafting, by the National Diaspora Agency, of an annual report on the current situation of Albanian commu- nities in Diaspora, with proposals on the Actions, to improve assistance provided to them. The report shall be discussed in the State Diaspora Committee. Negotiation to sign bilateral agreements on social protection of migrants with host countries, in order for them to transfer social insurance to Albania. Review of the practices of collecting voluntary social security contributions and, if necessary, signing of agreements between the Social Insurance Institute and banks. (Reassess- ment of a Special Action Plan on the matter of Albanian migrants’ pensions). 437

Government Policy For Diaspora Establishment of a register for Albanian citizens serving the sentence as impris- oned abroad and organization of an annual meeting organized in cooperation with the Office of the Office of the Ombudsman and Albanian Red Cross on this issue. Discussion of the evaluation of the periodic information and conclusions for the State Diaspora Committee. Organisation and supporting of networks (including international ones) of special groups and associations of the Albanian Diaspora based on interests, common pro- fessions, or geographical location. Provision of facilitations such as: various publi- cations in newspapers or websites that enable the creation of professional groups and common interests. Mediation for establishing contacts between “homologous” groups in different countries to establish similar operational networks. Supporting, on a project-basis, Albanian Diaspora organizations, on the estab- lishment of local advisory structures for foreign citizens in cities where Albanian migrants are concentrated, on the basis of guidelines prepared by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe and the Council of Europe. Conduct of awareness campaigns regarding various opportunities to appeal against violations of migrants’ rights, in the structures of host countries as well as in inter- national ones, which deal with the protection and respect of human rights and the protection of migrants rights, through the following activities: • Publication of this information on the migration website dedicated to this issue, • Publication in Albanian newspapers abroad, • Publication and distribution of leaflets related to these information, • Publication of the above-mentioned rights on websites developed by the Al- banian community operating abroad. Periodic reporting from the Albanian government on cases of violation of the rights of Albanian migrants. (Some of the international structures dealing with these rights include: • Special rapporteur for migrant’s rights of the United Nations. • Commissioner for Human rights of the Council of Europe of the Council of Europe. • European Court of Human Rights. • European Commission against Racism and Intolerance • The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance for CoE member states. • Commission for Petition of European Parliament for the EU. • EU Ombudsman 438

Government Policy For Diaspora Coordination and organization of meetings or “Days of Albania” in the host coun- tries of the Albanian communities in the Diaspora on the basis of an annual pro- gram as well as other periodic activities for Albanian tourism and investment-re- lated facilities. Coordination with public and private Health Institutions, on preparing a campaign for the promotion of health tourism, mainly related to some services on which Al- bania has advantages (dental, neurosurgery, cardiac surgery, etc.). Involvement of the Albanian communities in Diaspora in the cultural life of the host country and in Albania aiming at their promoting (signing and/or amending bilateral agreements with the host countries of the Diaspora, including the inter- ests of the latter in these agreements) and promoting the creation of annual activ- ities for this purpose. 439

Government Policy For Diaspora PILLAR 2 ORGANIZATION OF Action 2.1 Mechanisms for supporting Diaspora activities A29, A30, A31, A32 Action 2.2 Links with the Albanian Diaspora A36, A37 Action 2.3 “Ambassador of the Nation” Award A33 Action 2.4 Diaspora Certificates A34 Action 2.5 Specialist and scholars on Albanian Diaspora A35 440

Government Policy For Diaspora ACTIONS Organizing the action plan of the line institutions for Diaspora with the Diaspora Coordinating Council for strengthening organisation of the Albanian communities and the involvement in the socio-economic development of Albania. Organizing the Albanian Diaspora Assembly in cooperation with the Diaspora Coordination Council, as the most important event of the Albanian communities abroad. Periodic organization of a pan-national activity, aiming at reviewing the current policies for the mobilization of the Albanian Diaspora, which will address issues such as the preservation of language and culture, the brain-drain phenome- non and investments from the Diaspora in Albania. Coordination with the Republic of Kosovo in the field of relations with the Albanian Diaspora in the implementation and re-evaluation of existing agreements between the two countries. Drafting and implementation of bilateral agreements related to the Diaspora with all countries which are considered important and “productive” for the Albanian Diaspora worldwide. Assessment of the level of organisation of the Albanian Diaspora communities in the host countries. Organisation of activities based on professions which promote professional networks and identification of human resources. Promotion of the cases of successful Diaspora personalities in Albania and award- ing of the title “Ambassador of the Nation”. Establishment of the network of Ambas- sadors of the Nation (drafting of necessary related legal acts). Preparation of the Diaspora Certificate, which can be applied on-line and, besides registering the interested party, it provides a printable document (“I am Albanian”), which can be placed in open spaces to affirm the Albanian national identity. It will be specially awarded to children finishing the Summer School project. Creation of the Qualified Diaspora Register and implementation of national and joint programs with international institutions in order to attract qualified mem- bers of the diaspora to serve the Albanian economy. Evaluation of programs that encourage investors to hire qualified diaspora staff abroad. Based on these pro- grams, coordination and creation of opportunities for Albanian students to be wel- comed and assisted by members of the Albanian Diaspora to facilitate their studies at foreign universities through a network set up for this purpose in the Diaspora. Identification of cultural, sports, educational, social, scientific associations operat- ing in the host countries as well as talented and successful individuals operating in the Diaspora. Creation of a separate registry for this purpose. 441

Government Policy For Diaspora Promoting the organization of the Women’s Network in Diaspora and creating spe- cial policies in this regard. Organizing the Diaspora Women Summit in Albania or abroad. Establishing a sustainable cooperation network with organizations and in- stitutions covering this issue in host countries and with civil society in Albania for this purpose. 442

Government Policy For Diaspora PILLAR 3 ECONOMY AND BUSINESS Action 3.1 Attracting investments from the Diaspora A38, A39, A42, A44, A50 Action 3.2 Formalisation of remittances A40, A41, A43, A48 Action 3.3 Engagement of the Diaspora in the economic life of the country A45, A46, A47, A49, A51 443

Government Policy For Diaspora ACTIONS INCLUDED IN PILLAR 3 Empowerment of the Diaspora Business Chamber in cooperation with the network of business entities in the Diaspora. Establishment of the Diaspora Business Regis- ter as a basis for organising the Diaspora Business Chamber as the leader of busi- ness relations with the state administration. Establishment of administrative structures in local government to inform and sup- port investments by stakeholders in the Diaspora. Such information of the Diaspo- ra will be coordinated on investment opportunities in Albania to motivate Alba- nian businesses or migrants to invest in specific sectors of the economy. Annual assessment on remittances and stimulating banking policies for the Alba- nian Diaspora under the leadership of the Bank of Albania. Develop and implement a coherent and comprehensive policy for the administration of Diaspora remittanc- es. Reassessment of measures to increase migrant remittance flows by motivating migrants to bring their savings to Albania. Annual review of actions for the transfer of migrant remittances from informal to formal transfer routes, by applying less operational costs. Establishment of a fre- quent communication channel with the banking system representatives on this matter. Encouraging private companies to attract remittances through financial products (such as securities). Establishing special administrative offices in the relevant institutions of economy for the treatment of Albanian Diaspora, especially in the implementation of the migrant’s remittance policies and facilitating the attraction of investments from the Diaspora. Collaboration with the Bank of Albania and the private banking system on expan- sion of banking services in the host countries of the Diaspora as well as for their rel- atives in Albania (mainly in rural areas). Encouragement of banks in host countries to establish “ad- hoc” services for migrants (as far as possible and negotiable) with the help of Albanian Migrant Associations. Periodic organization of meetings with business networks in the Diaspora and the exchange of necessary related information from any institution covering the field of interest to invest in the homeland. Assessment and promotion of circular migration between Albania and the host countries of Albanian communities in the diaspora through favourable actions or negotiations of bilateral agreements (prioritising Greece and Italy). Establishment of a contact and coordination office for the assessment and monitoring of the state of foreign labour markets and communication of this information to the responsible institutions. 444

Government Policy For Diaspora Drafting of a special annual program for the promotion of Albanian agricultural and food products, by organizing periodic activities serving to the organized net- works of Albanian producers and the network of Albanian businesses in the Dias- pora trading such products. Development of annual activities in the area of domestic products in coordination with acquiring businesses in Diaspora in order to create a map of restaurants and culinary businesses in the host countries to link with a special project acquiring and selling businesses domestically and abroad. Development of a special assistance program for the micro-crediting institutions, in view of implementing policies aimed at channelling remittances through agree- ments with financial institutions in host countries. Encourage migrant associa- tions promote local development through voluntary fund-raising by its members in order to fund various projects in their towns or villages. Reassessment of policies to encourage the repatriation of skilled migrants. Assess- ment of the supply and demand for qualified personnel in the Albanian labour mar- ket and establishment of contacts between migrants and medium and large enter- prises in Albania, by creating an electronic database of CVs of qualified migrants. Periodic reassessment of services policy, procedures and respective tariffs. Based on the information received from the representations, the drafting, by the National Diaspora Agency, of an annual report on the current situation of Albanian commu- nities in Diaspora, with proposals on the Actions, to improve assistance provided to them. The report shall be discussed in the State Diaspora Committee. The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs will coordinate the implementation in cooperation with the private business sector of a program for the dissemination of economic information and drafting the schedule of annual periodic activities, which promotes business relations between the Albanian communities in the Di- aspora with each other and the homeland. Implementation of national holidays for the community in cooperation with the private sector, non-profit organizations, sports federations and promotion by re- sponsible tourism institutions operating in important markets, will result in signifi- cantly increasing tourist flows. 445

Government Policy For Diaspora PILLAR 4 EDUCATION AND TEACHING Action 4.1 Program on Albanian culture and language A52, A54, A58 Action 4.2 Teachers in the Diaspora A55, A56 Action 4.3 Textbooks for the Diaspora A53, A57 Action 4.4 Students in Diaspora A59, A60, A61 446

Government Policy For Diaspora ACTIONS INCLUDED IN PILLAR 4 Review of practices and conditions for the education of the younger generations of the diaspora in Albanian tongue. Reassessment of the drafting of standard cur- ricula for teaching in the Albanian language and the recognition of the Albanian cultural heritage for children in the Diaspora. Annual assessment of the needs for books in view of learning in Albanian language and the teaching Albanian cultural heritage to children in the Diaspora. Periodic improvement of joint curricula with Kosovo, for teaching in Albanian language. Support in the implementation of joint curricula. Coordination and promotion of the joint agreements with the state of Kosovo sup- porting Albanian language and culture teaching in the Diaspora. Reassessment of the legal framework regarding the responsibility of the Albanian State to enable Albanian language learning for the new generation of Albanian communities in the diaspora. Updating the Register of Teachers in the Diaspora and the programs supporting the implementation of standards for teachers in the Diaspora. On-going teacher certification and drafting of a pension scheme for teachers in the Diaspora. Organ- isation of annual educational activities with Albanian teachers and students in the Diaspora. Establishment of a permanent structure which will follow the training of teachers in the Diaspora. Ongoing provision of textbooks for the diaspora and training of teachers on joint curricula with Kosovo. Sending contracted teachers from Albania to host countries by the National Agency for Diaspora. Development of the “Learn Albanian” and “e-book” project (online download of textbooks placed in the education program for the Diaspora) in order to distribute books worldwide and create facilities to supply everyone with the necessary sup- plementary materials for language learning and Albanian culture. Assessment and signing of cooperation agreements with educational institutions in the host countries (pursuant to domestic legislation), for opening a number of Albanian language courses in schools and educational facilities located in these countries. (Creation and promotion of programs for teaching the Albanian lan- guage for the children of Albanian emigrants, in cooperation with the relevant structures of the host countries). 447

Government Policy For Diaspora Assessment and orientation of programs/donors who offer study abroad scholar- ships to the areas of expertise that Albania needs. Review of the inclusion of the return condition in Albania ( for a period of not less than one year) for all students receiving scholarships abroad, in the frame work of various donor study pro- grams for Albania. Creating a register of Albanian students studying at universities abroad and in the fields where they specialize. Develop a project for the promotion of communication between students abroad. Compiling an evaluation report on the difficulties of Albanian students studying abroad and on the factors that affect this situation. It shall be drafted by the State Diaspora Committee. 448