State Policy for Diaspora 2020

Government Policy For Diaspora Government Policy For Diaspora

This summary of legal acts is prepared by the National Agency of Diaspora ISBN 978-9928-313-65-2

Government Policy For Diaspora CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 11 12 STATE STRUCTURE 13 SUBCOMMITTEE FOR DIASPORA AND MIGRATION 14 DECISION No. 98/2017 of the Parliament “For the establishment of the 15 Subcommittee “On Diaspora and Migration”, as a part of the Permanent 16 Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Policy” 18 20 STATE COMMITTEE FOR DIASPORA STRUCTURE OF THE COMMITTEE 21 DECISION No. 690, dated 22.11.2017 “On the establishment and functioning 22 of the State Committee on Diaspora” 23 24 ORDER No. 231, dated 07.12.2017 “On the composition and duties of the Secretariat of the State Committee on Diaspora” 25 ORDER No. 44, dated 12.2.2019 “On the appointment of the state coordinator 27 for the organization of the annual programme of activities for the Albanian diaspora” 28 ORDER No. 43, dated 12.2.2019 “On the appointment of the state coordinator 29 on state agreements in the field of insurances for Albanian citizens abroad” ORDER No. 45, dated 12.2.2019 “On the appointment of the state coordinator for informing the diaspora” ORDER No. 47, dated 18.2.2019 “On the appointment of the state coordinator for programmes/donors who offer study abroad scholarships” ORDER No. 78, dated 17.4.2019 “On the appointment of the state coordinator on state agreements in the field of driving licenses recognition for Albanian citizens abroad” ORDER No. 92, dated 17. 05. 2019 “On the establishment of the working group and appointment of the responsible person for the protection of rights of Albanians serving an imprisonment abroad, the rights of migrants through the access to information on possible options to appeal against the violation of their rights, in the international structures of host countries” ORDER No.112, dated 30.8.2019 “On appointment of the state coordinator for the realization of the programme “I am Albanian” for Albanian language and culture” ORDER No. 32, dated 10.02.2020, of the Prime Minister, “On a change in Order no. 47, dated 18.02.2019, of the Prime Minister, “On the appointment of the State Coordinator for programmes / donors who offer scholarships abroad” ORDER No. 36, dated 13.02.2020, of the Prime Minister, “On an amendment to Order No. 45, dated 12.02.2019, of the Prime Minister,” On the appointment of the State Coordinator for informing the diaspora” 3

Government Policy For Diaspora DECISION No. 504, dated 24.06.2020, of the Council of Ministers, “On the 30 creation of the state database of students who study abroad, and foreign 33 citizens of Albanian origin, who receive scholarships from the Republic of 37 Albania” 39 40 DECISION No. 686, dated 02.09.2020, of the Council of Ministers “On the 41 criteria for awarding scholarships to foreign nationals of Albanian origin, 42 to study in the Republic of Albania, by the National Diaspora Agency for the academic year 2020-2021”. 43 44 DECISION No. 756, dated 23.09.2020 of the Council of Ministers “On the 46 functioning of the Joint Commission of Albania and Kosovo for the 50 approval of joint texts for the diaspora” 51 ORDER No. 9, dated 24.09.2020 of the State Minister for Diaspora “On the establishment of the commission responsible for monitoring the process and the final evaluation of the documents for the candidates who will benefit scholarships, the higher education institutions and the study program where they will study “. ORDER No. 123, dated 20.10.2020 “On an amendment to the Prime Minister’s Order No. 43, dated 12.02.2019, “On the appointment of the state coordinator on state agreements on insurance for Albanian citizens abroad”. ORDER No. 124, dated 20.10.2020 “On an amendment to the Prime Minister’s Order No. 112, dated 30.8.2019 “On the appointment of state coordinator for the implementation of the “I AM ALBANIAN” programme of albanian language and culture”. ORDER No. 125, dated 20.10.2020 “On an amendment to Prime Minister’s Order No. 92, dated 17.05.2019 “On the establishment of the working group and appointment of the responsible person for the protection of rights of albanians imprisoned abroad, the rights of migrants through access to information on possible options to appeal against violation of their rights, in the international structures of host countries”. STATE MINISTER FOR DIASPORA DECISION No. 510, date 13.09.2017 “On the definition of the scope of the activity of the State Minister for Diaspora” ORDER No.124, dated 18.9.2019 “On the establishment of the inter- institutional working group for the drafting of the legal package for guaranteeing the right to vote to Albanian citizens outside the territory of the Republic of Albania” NORMATIVE ACT WITH THE POWER OF LAW No. 10, dated 18.12.2019 “On some additions to Law No. 8438, dated 28.12.1998, “On income tax”, as amended LAW no. 1/2020 “On the approval of the Normative Act with the power of law, No. 10, dated 18.12.2019, of the Council of Ministers, “On some additions to law No. 8438, dated 28.12.1998, “On income tax”, as amended Decision No. 803, On the Approval, in principle, of the Agreement between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the Government of Montenegro, On Cooperation in the Field of the Diaspora, Dated 12.10.2020 4

Government Policy For Diaspora LAW No. 16/2018 52 “FOR DIASPORA” 53 65 Law No. 16/2018 “On the Diaspora” 67 LAW no. 92/2020 “On some additions and amendments to Law no. 16/2018 69 “On the Diaspora” 72 DECISION No. 339, dated 06.06.2018 “On the criteria for awarding the price 76 80 “Ambassador of the Nation” DECISION No. 340, dated 06.06.2018 “On the determination of detailed rules 82 on the conditions and method of selection for the representatives of the 83 Diaspora Coordination Council” 84 DECISION No. 469, dated 26.07.2018 “On the creation, organization and 85 functioning of the Diaspora Publication Center” DECISION No. 470, dated 26.07.2018 “On the creation, organization and 88 functioning of Cultural Centers for Diaspora” 90 DECISION No. 690, Date 14.11.2018 “On the production, transmission 93 and financing of special educational and cultural television programs 97 dedicated to the Diaspora” 98 JOINT ORDER No. 682, Date 15.10.2018 “On the establishment of the working 100 group for the drafting of sub-legal acts for the state registration of Diaspora teachers and certificates of Diaspora students” 103 DECISION No. 690, dated 14.11.2018, of the Council of Ministers, “On the production, broadcasting and financing of special television, educational 107 and cultural programs, dedicated to the diaspora” DECISION No. 11, dated 9.1.2019 “On an additional fund in the annual budget for 2019 for the Governmental Services Directorate” ORDER No. 50, dated 27.2.2019 “On the “Ambassador of the Nation” award” DECISION No. 104, dated 28.02.2019 “On determining the criteria for establishing the state register for teachers of Albanian language and culture and for certificate awarding for students in the diaspora” DECISION No. 195, dated 05.04.2019, of the Council of Ministers, “On the approval of the members of the Diaspora Coordination Council”. DECISION No. 443, dated 26.06.2019 “On the organization of the teaching process and the selection of teachers in the diaspora”. DECISION No. 24, dated 16.1.2019 “On the establishment, organization and functioning of the National Book and Reading Centre” ORDER No. 76, dated 15.04.2019 “On the approval of the organizational structure of the Diaspora Publication Center” DECISION No. 320, dated. 15.05.2019, of the Council of Ministers, “On the status of members of the Diaspora Coordination Council” DECISION No. 492, dated 10.7.2019 “On the approval of prices and eligible categories receiving free textbooks published by the Diaspora Publication Center for the 2019 – 2020 school year” DECISION No. 723, dated 11.11.2019 of the Council of Ministers “On some changes and additions to Decision No. 492, dated 10. 07. 2019 of the Council of Ministers “On the approval of prices and categories that benefit free textbooks published by the Diaspora Publication Center for the 2019 – 2020 school year” amended REGULATION OF THE DIASPORA COORDINATING COUNCIL 5

Government Policy For Diaspora DECISION No. 408, dated 20.05.2020, of the Council of Ministers, “On the 115 approval of the selling prices of textbooks published by the Diaspora Publication Center, “bilingual classics” and “bilingual dictionary for 118 children” and categories that receive free copies of textbooks “ 119 121 DECISION No. 419, dated 27.05.2020, of the Council of Ministers, “On the approval of the state programme for support in the empowerment and 122 engagement of the Albanian diaspora” 127 DECISION No. 780, dated 06.11.2019 of the Council of Ministers,” On the 129 appointment of coordinating officers for Albanian diaspora issues in the 131 Albanian consulates in Italy and Greece”. 133 135 DECISION No. 445, dated 03.06.2020, of the Council of Ministers, “On an 136 addition to Decision No.780, dated 06.11.2019, of the Council of Ministers,” 138 On the appointment of coordinating officers for Albanian diaspora issues 140 in the Albanian consulates in Italy and Greece” 142 143 DECISION No. 523, dated 01.07.2020, of the Council of Ministers, “On the 145 approval of prices and categories that benefit free texts published by the Diaspora Publication Center, for the 2020-2021 school year” ORDER No. 103, dated 07.08.2020 “On the establishment of the special commission for evaluating the transcripts of students who study abroad, and foreign citizens of Albanian origin who benefit scholarships from the Republic of Albania” DECISION No. 259, dated 9.5.2018 OF THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS ON THE APPROVAL OF 2018-2024 NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR DIASPORA AND ACTION PLAN ORDER No. 96, dated 16.07.2018 “On the establishment of the working group for the organization of the Diaspora Summit” ORDER No. 98, dated 16.07. 2018 “On the determination of the Coordinators Group to implement the Action Plan of the 2018-2024 National Strategy for Diaspora” ORDER No. 135, dated 13.09.2018 “On the establishment of the inter- institutional working group for implementing measure 64 of the Action Plan of Diaspora National Strategy” ORDER No. 136, dated 13.09.2018 “On the establishment of the inter- institutional working group for implementing measure 51 of the Action Plan of the National Diaspora Strategy” ORDER No. 137, dated 13.09.2018 “On the establishment of the inter- institutional working group for implementing measure 15 of the Action Plan of the National Diaspora Strategy” ORDER No. 138, dated 13.09.2018 “On the establishment of the inter- institutional working group for implementing measure 2 and 45 of the Action Plan of the National Diaspora Strategy” ORDER No. 55, dated 25.03.2019, of the Prime Minister, “On a repeal of the orders of the Prime Minister No. 135, dated 13.09.2018, No. 136, dated 13.09.2018, and No. 138, 13. 09. 2018”. ORDER No. 53, dated 09.04.2020, of the Prime Minister, “On the establishment of the inter-institutional working group for the review of the National Diaspora Strategy and Action Plan” DECISION No. 585, dated 22.07.2020, of the Council of Ministers, “On the approval of the 2021 – 2025 National Diaspora Strategy and Action Plan” 6

Government Policy For Diaspora LAW No. 115/2017 146 ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NATIONAL DIASPORA AGENCY 154 156 DECISION No. 114, Date 23.02.2018 “On determining the rules appointing, 157 dismissing and representing the chairman and members of the 158 Supervisory Board of the National Diaspora Agency” 167 168 ORDER No. 53, dated 16.03.2018, of the Prime Minister, “On the approval of 170 the structure and staff of the National Diaspora Agency”. 173 ORDER No. 1, Date 25.9.2018 “On the appointment of the chairman and 175 members of the Supervisory Board of the National Diaspora Agency” 177 LAW No. 32/2018 178 ALBANIAN DIASPORA DEVELOPMENT FUND 179 DECISION No. 594, dated 9.10.2018 “On appointment of the chairman 180 and members of the Supervisory Council for the Albanian Diaspora 183 Development Fund” 184 DECISION No. 611, dated 17.10.2018 “On the financing of the “Diaspora for Development” Project and implementing through the Albanian Diaspora Development Fund” DECISION No 67, dated 13.2.2019 “On approval of detailed regulation and procedures for the administration of accounts, the establishment and use of revenue, of the Albanian Diaspora Development Fund.” DECISION No. 321, dated 15. 05. 2019 “On the financing of the project “Scientific diaspora as a factor of change in the process of European integration of Albania” and its implementation from the Albanian Diaspora Development Fund” DECISION No. 514, dated 19.7.2019 “On the financing of the project “On the Diaspora Chamber of Commerce - establishment and encouragement of diaspora investments in Albania” and its implementation by the Albanian Diaspora Development Fund” DECISION No. 746, dated 20.11.2019 “On some amendments to Decision No. 294, dated 08.04.2015 of the Council of Ministers “On the establishment of the Investment Council “, amended. DECISION No. 773, dated 30.09.2020 “On an amendment to Decision no. 594, dated 9.10.2018 “On the Appointment of the Chairman and Members of the Steering Council of the Albanian Diaspora Development Fund” Amended,” amended. STUDY AND PUBLICATION CENTER FOR THE ARBËRESH DECISION No. 601, dated 04.09.2019 “On the establishment of the Study and Publication Center for the Arbëresh” ORDER NO. 38, dated 18.02.2020, of the Prime Minister “On the approval of the structure and staff of the Study and Publication Center for the Arbëresh”. ORDER NO. 5, dated 26.02.2020, of the Prime Minister, “On the approval of the members of the Coordination Council of the Study and Publication Center for the Arbëresh”. 7

Government Policy For Diaspora LAW No. 38/2019 185 ON SOME AMENDMENTS AND ADDITIONS TO LAW NO.139/2015 “ON LO- 188 CAL SELF-GOVERNANCE” 190 DECISION No. 456, dated 10.06.2020, of the Council of Ministers, “On 191 some additions and changes to Decision No. 910, dated 21.12.2016, 195 of the Council of Ministers, “On issues, object of consultation and the 196 structure, procedure, form, manner of organization and functioning of 200 the consultative council of central governance with local self-governance” 204 amended” 207 214 DECISION No. 400, dated 19.6.2019 217 ON THE APPROVAL OF 2019-2022 NATIONAL MIGRATION STRATEGY 221 AND ACTION PLAN 224 226 RESOLUTION dated 23.07.2019 229 ON THE STATE POLICY REFORM FOR DIASPORA AGREEMENTS & MEMORANDUMS 236 Agreement between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and Government of the Republic of Kosovo for cooperation in the field of Diaspora Cooperation Agreement between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the Government of the Republic of Kosovo for Cultural Centers in the Diaspora Agreement between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and Government of the Republic of Kosovo for cooperation, business promotion and informing of the Diaspora Agreement between the National Diaspora Agency in Albania and Università Degli Studi E-Campus in Italy for cooperation in research activities, education, technological advancement and innovation Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Justice of Albania, the Minister of State for Diaspora and the Albanian Red Cross. Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the Bank of Albania and State Minister for Diaspora Memorandum of Understanding between the State Minister for Diaspora of the Republic of Albania and Germin for cooperation in the field of Diaspora Memorandum of Understanding between the National Diaspora Agency and the Institute of Culinary “Neranxi” for the promotion of the Albanian cuisine in the Diaspora Agreement between the National Diaspora Agency and “OC International” for Culture Promotion and National Identity. Memorandum of Cooperation for the programme “I am Albanian” for Albanian language and culture between the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth, the Ministry of Tourism and the Environment, the Ministry of Culture and State Minister for Diaspora. Agreement between National Diaspora Agency, the Faculty of History and Philology at the University of Tirana on cooperation in preservation of the national language and identity in the diaspora. 8

Government Policy For Diaspora Cooperation agreement between National Diaspora Agency and the Albanian 240 National Theatre of Opera and Ballet and the National Songs and Dance Ensemble on cooperation in the preservation and promotion of national 244 cultural identity in diaspora. 250 257 Agreement between the “Magna Grecia” Foundation and Albanian Diaspora 261 Development Fund. 269 Cooperation agreement between the Albanian Diaspora Development Fund 272 of the Republic Of Albania and the University for Business and Technology, 275 Kosovo. 278 281 Agreement between the Albanian Diaspora Development Fund and the “Alb- 284 Shkenca” Institute on cooperation in the area of research and development 287 with the Albanian Scientific Diaspora. 291 MEMORANDUM OF COOPERATION between the State Minister for Diaspora 297 of Republic of Albania and the Diplomatic Research & Policy Foundation (DRPF), United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization 303 (UNESCO) regarding their participation in the Educational Research & 307 Development, Advocacy, Training and Degree Granting Framework with 309 University Mandate. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING between the Academy of Sciences of Albania and the Center for Studies and Publications for Arbëresh MEMORANDUM OF COOPERATION between the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo and the Center for Studies and Publications for Arbëresh COOPERATION AGREEMENT between the National Library of Kosovo “Pjetër Bogdani” and the Center for Studies and Publications for Arbëresh COOPERATION AGREEMENT between the Institute of History “Ali Hadri” and the Center for Studies and Publications for Arbëresh COOPERATION AGREEMENT between the Kosovo Archaeological Institute and the Center for Studies and Publications for the Arbëresh COOPERATION AGREEMENT between the University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina” and the Center for Studies and Publications for Arbëresh MEMORANDUM OF COOPERATION between the Academy of Albanological Studies and the Center for Studies and Publications for the Arbëresh MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING on the coordination of work for the establishment of the administrative structure for diaspora and migration in local government between the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Minister of State for the Diaspora and the Association for Local Autonomy AGREEMENT between the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of State for the Diaspora “On the appointment of coordination officers for Albanian diaspora issues in the Albanian consulates in Italy and Greece” Memorandum of Cooperation between The National Diaspora Agency And Ismail State Humanities University COOPERATION PROTOCOL between CSPA (Center for Studies and Publications for Arbëresh) and FAA (Federation of Arbëresh Associations) COOPERATION AGREEMENT between the National Library of Albania, the Albanian Diaspora Development Fund and the State Minister for Diaspora 9

Government Policy For Diaspora Cooperation Agreement between the National Diaspora Agency and The 313 Quality Assurance Agency In Higher Education 317 Cooperation Agreement between The National Diaspora Agency and The University Of Tirana 320 AGREEMENT between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and 323 the Government of Montenegro on cooperation in the Field of Diaspora, Date 12.10.2020 329 332 2021 - 2025 NATIONAL DIASPORA STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 346 INTRODUCTION 361 I.MIGRATION AND THE ALBANIAN DIASPORA 365 II. CURRENT CONDITIONS - STATUS OF THE ALBANIAN DIASPORA 367 III. VISION, MISSION AND STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES 371 IV. STATE RELATIONS WITH THE DIASPORA V. BUDGET AND COSTS 374 VI. IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING 401 CONCLUSIONS 454 459 ACTION PLAN FOR THE 2021 -2025 STRATEGY APPENDIX I APPENDIX II APPENDIX III APPENDIX IV 10

Government Policy For Diaspora INTRODUCTION The book “State Policy for Diaspora 2020” has become, after the publications of 2018 and 2019, an annual publication at the National Diaspora Agency. It assesses the prog- ress of the state policy of the Republic of Albania on the Albanian Diaspora during 2020. The materials included in this publication provide information to the public inside and outside the country on the progress and activities of state structures, policies and new legislation regarding the Albanian Diaspora. The state policy for Diaspora is based on a consolidated legal framework which is under development. In this book, for the first time, the document of the National Diaspora Strategy and the Action Plan 2021-2025, approved by DCM No. 585, dated 22.07.2020, is published. It will replace the National Diaspora Strategy 2018-2024, ef- fective January 1st, 2021. The state policy for Diaspora during 2020 has continued its institutional strength- ening of the respective agencies such as the National Diaspora Agency, the Albanian Diaspora Development Fund, the Publishing Centres for Diaspora and the establish- ment of the Centre for Study and Publications on Arbëresh. The application of two national strategies for a three-year period is a special case in the administrative experience of the Albanian state. The focus of state policies on Di- aspora is to protect the rights of Albanians living abroad in host countries and to engage Diaspora in Albania. The aim is to achieve strengthening of the role of the Albanian Diaspora in the social and political life by increasing its impact on the coun- try’s development. The Albanian Diaspora is taking steps to shape itself and define its relationship with the homeland. This book is an administrative record on the state policy of the Repub- lic of Albania during 2020. It is a “preface” of what to expect in 2021. The Albanian Diaspora, is, just like any other truth, the daughter of time and progress. That is the plain truth of the time wait for us ahead. NATIONAL AGENCY OF DIASPORA 11

Government Policy For Diaspora GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE 12

Government Policy For Diaspora SUBCOMMITTEE FOR DIASPORA AND MIGRATION 13

Government Policy For Diaspora DECISION No. 98/2017 FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE “ON DIASPORA AND MIGRATION”, AS A PART OF THE PERMANENT PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN POLICY Pursuant to Article 78, paragraph 1 of the Constitution and Articles 19, paragraph 2 and 21, item 1 of the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly, upon the proposal of the Conference of Presidents, PARLIAMENT OF REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA DECIDED: I. The Subcommittee “On Diaspora and Migration” is established within the Perma- nent Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Policy. II. The scope of this subcommittee are diaspora issues and migratory phenomena of Albania. III. The Subcommittee consists of 5 members as follows: 1. Adnor Shameti – Chairman (SP); 2. Tritan Shehu – Deputy Chairman (DP); 3. Elona Hoxha – member (SP); 4. Eglantina Gjermeni – member (SP); and 5. Klajda Gjosha – member (LSI). IV. This decision comes into force immediately. CHAIRMAN GRAMOZ RUÇI Approved on 5.10.2017 14

Government Policy For Diaspora STATE COMMITEE FOR DIASPORA 15

Government Policy For Diaspora DECISION No. 690, Date 22.11.2017 ON ESTABLISHMENT AND FUNCTIONING OF THE STATE COMMITTEE ON DIASPORA Pursuant to articles 95, paragraph 2 and 100 of the Constitution, upon the proposal of the Minister of State for Diaspora, the Council of Ministers DECIDED: 1. Establishment of the State Committee for Diaspora, hereafter the Committee as a Consultative Body of the Council of Ministers for co-ordinating the policies and activities of the state in the diaspora field. 2. The Committee is chaired by the Prime Minister and comprises of these mem- bers: a) Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs; b) Minister of Interior; c) Minister of Finance and Economy; d) Minister of Justice; e) Minister of Education, Sports and Youth; f) Minister of Culture; g) Ministry of Environment and Tourism; h) State Minister for Diaspora; i) Governor of the Bank of Albania; j) Chair of the Academy of Sciences; k) The Director of INSTAT. 3. The scope of activity of the Committee includes: a) Preparation of guidelines for drafting new active policies and setting of stra- tegic priorities in the diaspora field; b) Proposing legal and institutional mechanisms for issues related to improv- ing the position of Diaspora members and protecting their rights and inter- ests in their countries of residence; c) Encouraging and developing a dialogue on the implementation of the strat- egy, policies and legislation in the field of development of Diaspora commu- nities; 16

Government Policy For Diaspora d) Coordination and implementation of the National Diaspora Strategy; e) Supporting and monitoring the activities of the National Agency for Diaspora. 4. The Committee shall meet not less than once every three months and whenever necessary at the request of the Prime Minister. 5. Representatives of parliamentary groups, central and local government bodies or other institutions may be invited to attend meetings of the Committee, whose participation is deemed valuable for the accomplishment of the mission. 6. The activity of the Committee shall be supported by the Technical Secretariat. The composition and duties of the technical secretariat are determined by order of the Prime Minister. 7. Prime Minister Order No. 115, dated 11 May 2006, “On the establishment and functioning of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration”, is abrogated. 8. Members of the Committee are responsible for the implementation of this deci- sion. This decision comes into force immediately and is published in the “Official Gazette”. PRIME MINISTER EDI RAMA STATE MINISTER FOR DIASPORA PANDELI MAJKO 17

Government Policy For Diaspora ORDER No. 231, Date 7.12.2017 ON THE COMPOSITION AND DUTIES OF THE SECRETARIAT OF THE STATE COMMITTEE ON DIASPORA Pursuant to point 3, Article 102 of the Constitution, and point 6 of Decision No. 690, dated 22.11.2017, of the Council of Ministers “On the establishment and functioning of the State Committee on Diaspora”, I HEREBY ORDER: 1. The Technical Secretariat of the State Committee for Diaspora is chaired by the representative of the State Minister for Diaspora and consists of members, rep- resentatives from:  State Minister for Diaspora;  Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs;  Ministry of Interior;  Ministry of Finance and Economy;  Ministry of Justice;  Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth;  Ministry of Culture. 2. The main tasks of the Technical Secretariat of the State Committee for Diaspora are as follows:  Prepare meetings of the Committee;  Periodically report to the Committee on the performance of the tasks set out in its previous meetings;  Coordinate the work between the institutions involved in implementing and monitoring the tasks assigned by the Committee;  Keep the minutes and draw up decisions taken by the Committee;  Carry out other duties determined by the Chair of the Committee. 3. The Technical Secretariat shall meet on a regular basis, with the announcement of the Chairperson. 4. The heads of the institutions mentioned in point 1 of this order shall be respon- sible for sending the names of their representatives to the secretariat within ten (10) days from the date of its entry into force. 18

Government Policy For Diaspora 5. The members of the Technical Secretariat of the State Committee for Diaspora are responsible for following up the implementation of this order. This order shall enter into force immediately. PRIME MINISTER EDI RAMA 19

Government Policy For Diaspora ORDER No. 45, Date 12.2.2019 ON APPOINTMENT OF THE STATE COORDINATOR FOR DIASPORA INFORMING Pursuant to Article 102(3) of the Constitution, and Decision of the Council of Minis- ters no.259, dated 9.5.2018 “The approval of National Strategy for Diaspora for 2018- 2024 and the Action Plan”, upon proposal of the Minister of State for Diaspora, I HEREBY ORDER: 1. Appointment of the Director for Programming and Development, in the National Agency for Information Society (NAIS), Mr. Fatjon Hallkaj, State Coordinator for informing the Albanian Diaspora. 2. The State Coordinator acts in compliance with measure 51 of the Action Plan of the National Strategy for Diaspora, approved by Decision No. 259 dated 9.5.2018 of the Council of Ministers. The State Coordinator estimates and coordinates the work performed for the information published by the public administration in- stitutions protecting the interests of the Albanian community abroad. 3. On this process the coordinator shall report in writing, every three months, in the next meeting of the State Committee on Diaspora. 4. The National Agency for Information Society shall be responsible for the imple- mentation of this order. This order shall enter into force immediately. PRIME MINISTER EDI RAMA 20

Government Policy For Diaspora ORDER No. 43, Date 12.2.2019 ON APPOINTMENT OF THE STATE COORDINATOR ON STATE AGREEMENTS IN THE FIELD OF INSURANCES FOR ALBANIAN CITIZENS ABROAD Pursuant to Article 102(3) of the Constitution, and Decision of the Council of Minis- ters no.259, dated 9.5.2018 “The approval of National Strategy for Diaspora for 2018- 2024 and the Action Plan”, upon proposal of the Minister of State for Diaspora, I HEREBY ORDER: 1. The appointment of the Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Etjen Xhafaj, as state coordinator, who will be responsible to oversee the process of initiation, negotiation, and finalisation of bilateral state agreements in the field of insurances for Albanian citizens living abroad, in implementation of Measure 23 of the Action plan, of the National Strategy for Diaspora, approved by decision no.259 dated 9.5.2018 of the Council of Ministers. 2. The Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs is authorized to conduct dis- cussions on initiation and negotiation of state agreements up to finalising their signature. 3. On this process the coordinator shall report in writing, every three months, in the next meeting of the State Committee on Diaspora. 4. The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs is responsible for implementing this order. This order shall enter into force immediately. PRIME MINISTER EDI RAMA 21

Government Policy For Diaspora ORDER No. 44, Date 12.2.2019 ON APPOINTMENT OF THE STATE COORDINATOR FOR THE ANNUAL PROGRAMME ORGANIZATION OF ACTIVITIES ON THE ALBANIAN DIASPORA Pursuant to Article 102(3) of the Constitution, and Decision of the Council of Minis- ters no.259, dated 9.5.2018 “The approval of National Strategy for Diaspora for 2018- 2024 and the Action Plan”, upon proposal of the State Minister of Diaspora, I HEREBY ORDER: 1. The appointment of the Deputy Minister for Tourism and Environment, Mrs. Or- nela Çuçi, as State Coordinator for the follow up and organization of an Albanian annual cultural activities programme which will serve to the Albanian commu- nity in Diaspora and “Days of Albania” in implementation of Measure 45 of the Action plan, of the National Strategy for Diaspora, approved by Decision No. 259 dated 9.5.2018 of the Council of Ministers. 2. Deputy Minister of Tourism and Environment is responsible and authorized to coordinate and organize activities in the host countries of Albanian communities in Diaspora, on the basis of an annual programme and other periodic activities contributing to the Albanian tourism. 3. On this process the coordinator shall report in writing, every three months, in the next meeting of the State Committee on Diaspora. 4. The Ministry of Tourism and Environment is responsible for implementing this order. This order shall enter into force immediately. PRIME MINISTER EDI RAMA 22

Government Policy For Diaspora ORDER No. 47, Date 18.2.2019 ON APPOINTMENT OF THE STATE COORDINATOR FOR PROGRAMMES/ DONORS WHO OFFER STUDY ABROAD SCHOLARSHIPS Pursuant to Article 102(3) of the Constitution, and Decision of the Council of Minis- ters no.259, dated 9.5.2018 “The approval of National Strategy for Diaspora for 2018- 2024 and the Action Plan”, upon proposal of the State Minister of Diaspora, I HEREBY ORDER: 1. The appointment of the Deputy Minister of Education, Sports and Youth, Mr. Redi Shtino, as state coordinator, who will be responsible to follow up programmes and coordinate donors that offer study abroad scholarships, in implementation of measure 64 of the Action plan, of the National Strategy for Diaspora, approved by Decision No. 259 dated 9.5.2018 of the Council of Ministers. 2. The Deputy Minister of Education, Sports and Youth is responsible and autho- rized to coordinate the inter-institutional work for the follow up and implemen- tation of Measure 64 of the Action Plan, of the National Strategy for Diaspora, approved by decision no.259 dated 9.5.2018 of the Council of Ministers. 3. On this process the coordinator shall report in writing, every three months, in the next meeting of the State Committee on Diaspora. 4. The Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth is responsible for implementing this order. This order shall enter into force immediately. PRIME MINISTER EDI RAMA 23

Government Policy For Diaspora ORDER No. 78, Date 17.4.2019 ON APPOINTMENT OF THE STATE COORDINATOR ON STATE AGREEMENTS IN THE FIELD OF DRIVING LICENCES RECOGNITION FOR ALBANIAN CITIZENS ABROAD Pursuant to Article 102(3) of the Constitution, Article 28 “d” of Law 9000 dated 30.1.2003 “On the Organization and Functioning of the Council of Ministers” of De- cision no. 510, dated 13.09.2017 of the Council of Ministers “On the definition of the scope of activity of State Minister of Diaspora” and Decision no.504, dated 13.9.2017 of the Council of Ministers “On the definition of the scope of activity of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy”, upon proposal of the State Minister of Diaspora, I HEREBY ORDER: 1. The appointment of the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Mr. Artan Shkreli, who will be responsible to oversee the process of initiation, negotiation of mutual state agreements in the field of driving licences recognition for Alba- nian citizens abroad. 2. The Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Energy is responsible for the inter-in- stitutional coordination for negotiating state agreements up to finalising their signature. 3. On this process the coordinator shall report in writing, every three months, in the next meeting of the State Committee on Diaspora. 4. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy is responsible for implementing this order. This order shall enter into force immediately. PRIME MINISTER EDI RAMA 24

Government Policy For Diaspora ORDER No. 92, Dated 17. 05. 2019 ON ESTABLISHMENT OF THE WORKING GROUP AND APPOINTMENT OF THE RESPONSIBLE PERSON FOR THE PROTECTION OF RIGHTS OF ALBANIANS SERVING AN IMPRISONMENT ABROAD, THE RIGHTS OF MIGRANTS THROUGH ACCESS TO INFORMATION ON POSSIBLE OPTIONS TO APPEAL AGAINST VIOLATION OF THEIR RIGHTS, IN THE INTERNATIONAL STRUCTURES OF HOST COUNTRIES Pursuant to Article 102(3) of the Constitution, and Article 12(1) of the Law No. 9000, dated 30.1.2003, “On the Organization and Functioning of the Council of Ministers”, I HEREBY ORDER: 1. Establishment of the working group and appointment of the responsible person for implementing measure 24 and 44 of the Action Plan of the National Strategy for Diaspora, approved by Decision No. 259 dated 9.5.2018 of the Council of Min- isters. 2. The working group will be chaired by the Deputy minister of Justice Mrs. Fjoralba Caka, as the responsible person for the protection of rights of Albanians serving an imprisonment abroad, the rights of migrants through access to information on possible options to appeal against violation of their rights, in the international structures of host countries, and the composition of the working group will be as follows: a) representative from the Ministry of Justice; b) one assigned representative from the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Af- fairs c) One representative appointed the responsible Minister of State for Diaspora; 3. The working group is responsible for coordinating interinstitutional work for the collection of complete information, for the follow-up and treatment in ac- cordance with the legislation in force in the host countries of Albanian citizens serving an imprisonment abroad. 4. With the aim of the accomplishment of this task, the Deputy Minister of Justice shall cooperate with the Ministry responsible for foreign policy, the Ombudsman 25

Government Policy For Diaspora or civil society organizations with the aim of informing on various opportunities to appeal to migrants’ rights violations in the structures of host countries as well as international structures dealing with the protection and respect of human rights and the protection of migrants’ rights. 5. The coordinator shall report the performance and progress of this process in writing, every 3 months, in the next meeting of the State Committee on Diaspora. 6. The state institutions in charge for implementing this order shall appoint their representatives in the working group within 5 ( five) days of the entry into force of this Order. 7. The Ministry of Justice, the Minister of State for Diaspora and the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs are assigned to the implementation of this Order. This Order shall enter into force immediately. PRIME MINISTER EDI RAMA 26

Government Policy For Diaspora ORDER No.112, dated 30.8.2019 ON APPOINTMENT OF THE STATE COORDINATOR FOR REALISATION OF THE PROGRAMME “I AM ALBANIAN” FOR THE ALBANIAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE Pursuant to Article 102(3) of the Constitution, and Decision of the Council of Min- isters no.259, dated 9.5.2018 “On the approval of National Strategy for Diaspora for 2018-2024 and the Action Plan”, I HEREBY ORDER: 1. The appointment of the Deputy Minister of Education, Sports and Youth, Mrs. Lo- rena Haxhiu, in the quality of State Coordinator for the follow up, organizing and implementation of the “I Am Albanian” Programme of Albanian language and culture in compliance with the signed Memorandum on this purpose between the responsible institutions in the implementation of measure 28 of the Action Plan, of the National Strategy for Diaspora, approved by decision no.259 dated 9.5.2018 of the Council of Ministers. 2. The Deputy Minister for Education, Sports and Youth is authorized to coordi- nate the inter-institutional work for the follow-up and implementation of the “I am Albanian” Program of Albanian Language and Culture. On the performance and progress of this process the coordinator shall report in writing, every three months, in the next meeting of the State Committee on Diaspora. 3. The Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth is responsible for implementing this order. This Order shall enter into force immediately. PRIME MINISTER EDI RAMA 27

Government Policy For Diaspora ORDER No. 32, dated 13.02.2020 ON AN AMENDMENT TO THE PRIME MINISTER ORDER NO. 47, DATED 18.02.2019, “ON THE APPOINTMENT OF THE STATE COORDINATOR FOR PROGRAMMES/ DONORS AWARDING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDIES ABROAD” Pursuant to Article 102 (3) of the Constitution and Decision of the Council of Min- isters no. 259, dated 09.05.2018 “On the approval of National Diaspora Strategy and Action Plan 2018-2024”, upon proposal of the State Minister for Diaspora, HEREBY ORDER: 1. In paragraph 1 of the Prime Minister Order No. 47, dated 18.2.2019, Mr. Redi Shti- no shall be replaced by Mr. Oltion Rrumbullaku. 2. The Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth shall be in charge of the implemen- tation of this Order. This Order shall enter into force immediately. PRIME MINISTER EDI RAMA 28

Government Policy For Diaspora ORDER No. 36, dated 13.02.2020 ON SOME ADDENDA TO ORDER NO. 45, DATED 12.02.2019, OF THE PRIME MINISTER “ON THE APPOINTMENT OF THE STATE COORDINATOR FOR THE INFORMATION OF DIASPORA” Pursuant to Article 102 (3) of the Constitution and Decision of the Council of Min- isters no. 259, dated 09.05.2018 “On the approval of National Diaspora Strategy and Action Plan 2018-2024”, upon proposal of the State Minister for Diaspora, HEREBY ORDER: 1. Point 1 of the Order no. 45, dated 12.2.2019 of the Prime Minister, is amended as follows: “1. Appointment of Mrs. Jona Hoxha, Director of the Directorate of Systems at the National Agency for the Information Society (NAIS), as State Coordinator for the Albanian Diaspora Information.” 2. The National Agency for Information Society shall be responsible for the imple- mentation of this order. This Order shall enter into force immediately. PRIME MINISTER EDI RAMA 29

Government Policy For Diaspora DECISION No. 504, dated 24.6.2020 ON ESTABLISHMENT OF THE STATE DATABASE OF STUDENTS WHO STUDY ABROAD, AND FOREIGN CITIZENS OF ALBANIAN ORIGIN, WHO BENEFIT SCHOLARSHIPS FROM THE REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Pursuant to Article 100 of the Constitution, Article 4 (1) of Law No. 10325, dated 23.09.2010, “On State Databases”, Article 5 (a) of Law no. 16/2018, “On the Dias- pora”, Article 6 (1) of Law no. 115/2017, “On the establishment of the National Diaspora Agency”, upon proposal of the State Minister for Diaspora, the Council of Ministers DECIDED: 1. Establishment of a state database of students who study abroad, and foreign cit- izens of Albanian origin, who receive scholarships from the Republic of Albania. 2. The state database, pursuant to point 1 thereof, contains personal data for: a. Albanian citizens who complete university studies abroad; b. foreign citizens of Albanian origin, who benefit from programs funded by the Republic of Albania. c. Albanian citizens, who have benefited from scholarships provided to Al- bania by other countries, international organizations and non-profit orga- nizations signed agreements or other documents to which the Republic of Albania is party to. 3. The data contained in the state database of students who study abroad, and for- eign citizens of Albanian origin, who receive scholarships from the Republic of Albania, are divided into primary and secondary data, as follows: a) Primary data are considered all the data collected from this register and include as follows: i. study period; ii. host country; iii. the institution of higher education attending; iv. field of study; v. the source of scholarship funding; vi. electronic mail address (e-mail) vii. data of foreign citizens of Albanian origin, pursuant to point 2 (b) of this Decision: 30

Government Policy For Diaspora - Name; - Surname; - Name of Father; - Address; - Gender ; - Place of birth; - Date of Birth. b) The secondary data exchanged with the National Registry of Civil Status (NRCS), are as follows: i. Citizen ID; ii. Name; iii. Surname; iv. Name of Father; v. Address; vi. Gender; vii. Place of birth; viii. Date of Birth. 4. The State Database of students who study abroad and foreign citizens of Alba- nian origin, who receive scholarships from the Republic of Albania is managed by the National Diaspora Agency. 5. The State Database of students who study abroad and foreign citizens of Alba- nian origin, who receive scholarships from the Republic of Albania interacts with the National Registry of Civil Status (NRCS) and other state databases, which structure provides for the interaction with the State Database of students who study abroad and foreign citizens of Albanian origin, who receive scholarships from the Republic of Albania. 6. The State Database of students who study abroad, and foreign citizens of Alba- nian origin, who receive scholarships from the Republic of Albania is populated by the ministry responsible for education and the ministry responsible for for- eign affairs. 7. The evaluation of the results of students who study abroad and foreign citizens of Albanian origin, who receive scholarships from the Republic of Albania is carried out by a Ad-hoc Commission composed of with 9 (nine) members, as appointed 31

Government Policy For Diaspora by the responsible institutions, which is set up by order of the Prime Minister. The Commission shall be chaired by the Minister responsible for the Diaspora. The Commission shall draft an annual report for the State Diaspora Committee and the Subcommittee on Diaspora and Migration in the Albanian Assembly. The granting of scholarships to foreign citizens of Albanian origin is carried out by the National Diaspora Agency and is regulated by other relevant acts. 8. The State Database is accessible to all interested institutions upon request ad- dressed to the National Diaspora Agency, in accordance with the regulation for the organization and internal functioning of the state database defined by the National Diaspora Agency. 9. The financial effects arising from the implementation of this decision must be borne by the budget of the National Diaspora Agency. 10. The Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth, the Ministry for Europe and For- eign Affairs, the State Minister for Diaspora and the National Agency for Infor- mation Service are responsible for implementing this decision. This decision shall enter into force after its publication in the Official Gazette. PRIME MINISTER EDI RAMA STATE MINISTER FOR DIASPORA PANDELI MAJKO 32

Government Policy For Diaspora DECISION No. 686 dated 02.09.2020 ON THE CRITERIA FOR AWARDING SCHOLARSHIPS TO FOREIGN NATIONALS OF ALBANIAN ORIGIN TO STUDY IN THE REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA, BY THE NATIONAL DIASPORA AGENCY FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2020-2021 Pursuant to Article 100 of the Constitution, Article 5 (e) of Law No. 16/2018, “On Diaspora”, as amended, Article 11 of the Law no. 115/2017, “On the estab- lishment of the National Diaspora Agency” and pursuant to Article 7 of DCM no. 504, dated 24.06.2020 of the Council of Ministers “On the establishment of a state database of students studying abroad and foreign citizens of Albanian origin, who receive scholarships from the Republic of Albania” upon proposal of the State Minister for Diaspora, the Council of Ministers DECIDED: 1. Awarding of 9 (nine) scholarships to foreign citizens of Albanian origin, who ben- efit from scholarships from the Republic of Albania for the Academic Year 2020- 2021. 2. The scholarship awarded to foreign nationals of Albanian origin includes finan- cial support for the tuition fee, as well as accommodation and food expenses for the duration of the academic year, to the extent specified in Annex 1, attached to this Decision. 3. For the academic year 2020-2021, 9 (nine) scholarships will be awarded to foreign citizens of Albanian origin, to study in the Republic of Albania for the following countries: a. 3 (three) scholarships awarded to foreign citizens of Albanian origin from Ukraine; b. 2 (two) scholarships awarded to foreign citizens of Albanian origin of the Arbëresh community in Italy; c. 2 (two) scholarships awarded to foreign citizens of Albanian origin in Cro- atia; d. 2 (two) scholarships awarded to foreign citizens of Albanian origin from Bul- garia; 33

Government Policy For Diaspora 4. Diplomatic missions and consular posts of the Republic of Albania accredited in the countries mentioned in paragraph 3 herein, make proposals for candidates to receive scholarships for foreign citizens of Albanian origin for the academic year 2020-2021. They are responsible for sending the required documentation to the scholarship beneficiary candidates. 5. The documentation to be submitted by applicants must be legalized in accor- dance with the legislation governing the recognition and use of official docu- ments issued abroad. 6. The basic criteria for obtaining the scholarship that the applicant should meet are the following: a. Must having completed secondary education with a general grade point av- erage above 8 (eight) or equivalent; b. Not to have graduated the full cycle of university studies; c. To be a student from the Albanian diaspora communities and living in one of the countries mentioned in paragraph 3 herein. 7. The criteria for obtaining scholarships, according to the programs where for- eign citizens of Albanian origin study, are determined by agreement between the National Diaspora Agency (AKD) and the Quality Assurance Agency in Higher Education (QAAHE). The Scholarship Commission for the Diaspora is in charge to oversee the process and the final evaluation of the documents of the candi- dates who will be awarded with scholarships, the institution of higher education and the study program where they will study, by the order of the State Minister for Diaspora. The Commission shall consist of 3 (three) members who shall be nominated by the Ministry responsible for Education (1 member), the ministry responsible for foreign policy (1 member) and the National Diaspora Agency (1 member). 8. The National Diaspora Agency shall perform the necessary payments of the teachers for learning the Albanian language in the first year of studies for foreign citizens of Albanian origin who benefit from scholarships from the Republic of Albania for the academic year 2020-2021. 9. The financing of scholarships in implementation of the decision herein, for the academic year 2020-2021 is estimated to at the amount of Euro 71 520 (seven- 34

Government Policy For Diaspora ty-one thousand five hundred and twenty). This funding will be supported by the budget of the National Diaspora Agency. 10. The State Minister for Diaspora and the National Diaspora Agency are in charge of implementing this decision. This decision shall enter into force after its publication in the Official Gazette. PRIME MINISTER EDI RAMA 35

Government Policy For Diaspora ANNEX 1 AMOUNT OF SCHOLARSHIP FOR FOREIGN CITIZENS OF ALBANIAN ORIGIN 1. Students of Albanian Origin Tuition Fee 40,000 ALL/year = 30 Euro/month Accommodation 300 Euro/month Monthly Expenses 270 Euro/month Scholarship Monthly Total 600 Euro/month Annual Total Scholarship (9 EUR 64,800 students) 2. Teachers for learning of Albanian language Monthly payment 560 Euro/month Annual Salary (1 teacher) EUR 6,720 Annual Lump Sum for students and EUR 71,520 teachers 36

Government Policy For Diaspora DECISION No. 756, dated 23.9.2020 ON THE OPERATION OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE OF ALBANIA AND KOSOVO ON THE APPROVAL OF JOINT TEXTS FOR DIASPORA Pursuant to Article 100 of the Constitution and Article 5 of the Law no. 16/2018 “On Diaspora”, as amended, upon proposal of the State Minister for Diaspora, the Council of Ministers DECIDED: 1. The Joint Albania-Kosovo Commission on the approval of textbooks for the Di- aspora, pursuant to the “Cooperation Agreement” singed between the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth of the Republic of Albania, Ministry of Diaspora of the Republic of Kosovo and Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of the Republic of Kosovo, dated March 23, 2015 “On the joint organization of the teaching of Albanian language and culture in Diaspora”, shall be composed of representatives of the following institutions: a) 5 ( five) representatives from the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kosovo and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of the Republic of Kosovo; b) 5 ( five) representatives from the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth of the Republic of Albania and the State Minister for Diaspora. 2. The Joint Albania-Kosovo Commission for the approval of common textbooks for Diaspora is assigned with the following task: a) drafting common standard textbooks for Diaspora; b) drafting a package of documents including competition procedures for common textbooks for the Diaspora; c) defining the criteria of reviewers of common textbooks for the Diaspora; ap- proval of joint winning textbooks for the Diaspora. 3. The Diaspora Publishing Centre performs the functions of the technical secretar- iat of the Joint Albania-Kosovo Commission for the approval of joint textbooks for the Diaspora. 37

Government Policy For Diaspora 4. Expenses for the work of the Commission, including travel, accommodation and allowance, for holding official meetings of the members of the Joint Commission of Albania and Kosovo, for the payment of textbook reviewers and other pro- cesses in the service of the process, are covered by the budget of approved by the Diaspora Publishing Centre of the Republic of Albania, in accordance with the legislation in force. 5. The payments provided for in paragraph 4 herein are proposed on case-by-case basis by the Director of the Diaspora Publishing Centre and approved by the Co- ordination Council of Publications for Diaspora. 6. The Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth and the State Minister for the Dias- pora are in charge of implementing this decision. This Decision shall enter into force after its publication in the Official Gazette. PRIME MINISTER EDI RAMA Acting under delegated authority DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ERION BRAÇE MINISTER OF STATE FOR DIASPORA PANDELI MAJKO 38

Government Policy For Diaspora ORDER No. 9, dated 24.09.2020 “ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COMMISSION RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROCESS MONITORING AND FINAL EVALUATION OF DOCUMENTS OF CANDIDATES BENEFITING STUDY SCHOLARSHIPS, EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS AND THE STUDY PROGRAM THEY WILL ENROLL IN”. Pursuant to paragraph 7 of DCM No. 686, dated 02.09.2020, “On the criteria for award- ing scholarships to foreign nationals of Albanian origin to study in the Republic of Albania, by the National Diaspora Agency for the academic year 2020-2021”. HEREBY ORDER: 1. The establishment of the Committee in charge of following the process and the fi- nal evaluation of the documents of the candidates who will benefit scholarships, higher education institutions and the study program where they will study. 2. The appointment of the Commissions’ Members, as follows: - Mrs. Sonila Hysi, representative of the National Diaspora Agency; - Mrs. Iliriana Topulli, representative of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth; - Mrs. Enkeleda Riza, representative of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs; 3. The National Information Society Agency shall be in charge with the implemen- tation of this Order. This Order shall enter into force immediately. MINISTER PANDELI MAJKO 39

Government Policy For Diaspora ORDER No. 123, dated 20.10.2020 ON AN AMENDMENT TO THE PRIME MINISTER’S ORDER NO. 43, DATED 12.02.2019, “ON THE APPOINTMENT OF THE STATE COORDINATOR ON STATE AGREEMENTS ON INSURANCE FOR ALBANIAN CITIZENS ABROAD”. Pursuant to Article 102 (3) of the Constitution, and Decision of the Council of Minis- ters no. 259, dated 12.02.2018 “On the approval of the National Diaspora Strategy and Action Plan 2018-2024”, I HEREBY ORDER: 1. In paragraph 1 of the Prime Minister’s Order No. 43, dated 12.02.2019, Mr. Etjen Xhafaj to be replaced with Mr. Sokol Dedja. 2. The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs shall be responsible for the imple- mentation of this Order. This Order shall enter into force immediately. PRIME MINISTER EDI RAMA 40

Government Policy For Diaspora ORDER No. 124, dated 20.10.2020 ON AN AMENDMENT TO THE PRIME MINISTER’S ORDER NO. 112, DATED 30.8.2019 “ON THE APPOINTMENT OF STATE COORDINATOR FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE “I AM ALBANIAN” PROGRAMME OF ALBANIAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE”. Pursuant to Article 102 (3) of the Constitution and Decision of the Council of Minis- ters no. 259, dated 09.05.2018 “On the approval of the National Diaspora Strategy and Action Plan 2018-2024”, I HEREBY ORDER: 1. In paragraph 1 of the Prime Minister’s Order No. 112, dated 30.08.2019, Mrs. Lo- rena Haxhiu to be replaced by Mrs. Aspasjana Kongo. 2. The Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth shall be responsible for the imple- mentation of this Order. This Order shall enter into force immediately. PRIME MINISTER EDI RAMA 41

Government Policy For Diaspora ORDER No. 125, dated 20.10.2020 ON ON AN AMENDMENT TO PRIME MINISTER’S ORDER NO. 92, DATED 17.05.2019 “ON THEESTABLISHMENT OF THE WORKING GROUP AND APPOINTMENT OF THE RESPONSIBLE PERSON FOR THE PROTECTION OF RIGHTS OF ALBANIANS IMPRISONED ABROAD, THE RIGHTS OF MIGRANTS THROUGH ACCESS TO INFORMATION ON POSSIBLE OPTIONS TO APPEAL AGAINST VIOLATION OF THEIR RIGHTS, IN THE INTERNATIONAL STRUCTURES OF HOST COUNTRIES” Pursuant to Article 102 (3) of the Constitution and Article 12 (1) of Law 9000, dated 30.1.2003 “On the Organization and Functioning of the Council of Ministers”, I HEREBY ORDER: 1. In paragraph 2 of the Prime Minister’s Order No. 92, dated 17.05.2019, Mrs. Fjor- alba Caka to be replaced by Mrs. Adea Pirdeni. 2. The Ministry of Justice, the State Minister for Diaspora and the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs shall be responsible for the implementation of this Order. This Order shall enter into force immediately. PRIME MINISTER EDI RAMA 42

Government Policy For Diaspora STATE MINISTER FOR DIASPORA 43

Government Policy For Diaspora DECISION No. 510, date 13.9.2017 ON THE DEFINITION OF THE SCOPE OF ACTIVITY OF STATE MINISTER FOR DIASPORA Pursuant to Article 100 of the Constitution and point 2 of Article 5 of Law No. 90/2012, “On the Organization and Functioning of the State Administration”, upon the propos- al of the Prime Minister, the Council of Ministers. DECIDED: 1. Approval of the mission and field of responsibility for State Minister for Diaspora, according to the definitions of this decision. 2. The mission of the State Minister for Diaspora is to represent and promote poli- cies of cooperation and interaction with all Albanians, promoting and strength- ening cooperation in all areas with Albanians outside the borders of the Republic of Albania and the countries where they live. 3. State Minister for Diaspora exercises his activity in these areas: a) Organizing, designing and implementing state policy for Albanians outside borders and in their countries of residence, in cooperation with the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs; b) Encouraging and assisting the development of communication and inter- action between diaspora and Albanians outside the borders with the dip- lomatic representations of the Republic of Albania in the countries where they reside; c) Promotion and assistance in enhancing the development of Albanian values and traditions of Albanian nationals outside the state borders; d) Cooperation with international organizations for the expression and protec- tion of the interests of Albanians outside borders; e) Assist in the preservation and cultivation of national identity, as well as un- dertaking initiatives to promote language, culture, traditions and all nation- al values, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth and the Ministry of Culture; f) Coordination of the process to guarantee the registration and the right of di- aspora participation in the polls, in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Justice; 44

Government Policy For Diaspora g) Organization and management of the establishment of the State Agency for Diaspora; h) Coordination of the organization of the National Diaspora Summit, as well as other national and international conferences for enhancing the coopera- tion between the Diaspora and Albania; i) Cooperate with responsible ministries to encourage foreign investment in Albania. 4. State Minister for Diaspora represents and protects the interests of the state within the areas of responsibility according to point 3 of this decision. 5. State Minister for Diaspora is responsible for the implementation of this deci- sion. This decision comes into force immediately and is published in the “Official Gazette”. PRIME MINISTER EDI RAMA 45

Government Policy For Diaspora ORDER No.124, dated 18.9.2019 ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE INTERINSTITUTIONAL WORKING GROUP FOR DRAFTING OFTHE LEGAL PACKAGE FOR GUARANTEEING THE RIGHT TO VOTE TO ALBANIAN CITIZENS OUTSIDE THE TERRITORY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Pursuant to Article 102(3) of the Constitution, Article 12(1) of Law No. 9000, dated 30.01.2003 “On the Organization and Functioning of the Council of Ministers”, and point 3( f) of the Decision no.510, dated 13.9.2017 of the Council of Ministers, “On the definition of the scope of activity of State Minister of Diaspora”, I HEREBY ORDER: 1. Establishment of the inter-institutional working group for drafting the legal pack- age for guaranteeing the right to vote for Albanian citizens outside the ter- ritory of the Republic of Albania. 2. The inter-institutional group is chaired by the Minister of State of Diaspora and shall be composed of members, representatives from the institutions as follows: a) Ministry of Interior; b) Ministry of Justice; c) Ministry of Finance and Economy; d) Ministry of Health and Social Protection; e) Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs; f) The Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy g) Institute of Statistics. 3. The inter-institutional group shall collaborate with the Central Election Com- mission at the Parliament of Albania. The group coordinates the work with the Central Election Commission and responds on behalf of the Prime Minister to cooperative work requirements related to the accomplish the purpose set out in this order. 4. The methodology of drafting the legal package for guaranteeing the right to vote for Albanian citizens outside the territory of the Republic of Albania shall be based on the recommendations of the European Union serving this purpose, as well as on the best practices and models of its member states. 46

Government Policy For Diaspora 5. In drafting the legal package in order to guarantee the right to vote for Albanian citizens outside the territory of the Republic of Albania, the inter-institutional working group may conduct consultations and receive support from civil society representatives, external experts or stakeholders of international organizations. 6. The legal package with legal amendments to guarantee the right to vote for Alba- nian citizens outside the territory of the Republic of Albania shall be drafted and submitted for approval to the Council of Ministers within December 2019. 7. The heads of the institutions referred to in point 2 of this order shall be required to submit, within 15 ( fifteen) days of its entry into force, the names of their repre- sentatives to the State Minister of Diaspora. 8. The State Minister of Diaspora is hereby appointed, within 15 ( five) days of the entry into force of this Order, to ensure the commencement of the activity of the inter-institutional group. 9. The State Minister of Diaspora and all the institutions mentioned in point 2 of the order herein, are responsible for its implementation. This Order shall enter into force immediately. PRIME MINISTER EDI RAMA 47

Government Policy For Diaspora NORMATIVE ACT No. 10, dated 18.12.2019 ON SOME ADDITIONS TO LAW NO. 8438, DATED 28.12.1998, “ON INCOME TAX”, AS AMENDED Pursuant to Article 101 of the Constitution, upon the proposal of the State Minister for Diaspora, the Council of Ministers DECIDED: Law no. 8438, dated 28.12.1998, “On income tax”, as amended, shall undergo the fol- lowing addenda: Article 1 In Article 8/1, after paragraph 1, paragraph 1/1, with the following content, is added: “1/1. Pension income and other similar benefits of foreign citizens of Albanian or- igin or those of European Union countries, with a residence permit in the Repub- lic of Albania, as well as foreign citizens, who have obtained Albanian citizenship and are residents in the Republic of Albania and who benefit from this income according to the legislation of the country where they receive their pension or other similar benefits. Benefiting modalities for the eligible categories shall be established by Decision of the Council of Ministers”. Article 2 After Article 8/1, Article 8/2, with the following content, is added: “Article 8/2 1. In order to benefit from the income tax exemption, the beneficiaries, according to Article 8/1 (1/1) of this Law, shall meet the following requirements: a. Be eligible for pension benefits according to the legislation in force in the country where they shall receive them; b. Having a residence permit in the territory of the Republic of Albania c. Have a clear criminal record in their resident country or in the Republic of Albania or in any other country for criminal offences, for which the law pro- vides sentences of not less than 3 (three) years of imprisonment; d. Have received a positive response from the relevant administrative structure for exemption from personal income tax on pension benefits. The request submitted by the interested parties shall be accompanied by the documents supporting the provisions of comma “a”, “b” and “c” of this paragraph, as well 48