Albania's Has faces upheaval from male migration

The town of Has faces social disruption as men migrate to the UK, leaving women and children behind.

Albania's migrant exodus creates void of men in Has

In 2022, 13,000 Albanians took illegal routes into the UK, primarily seeking opportunities in the black market. This surge has deeply affected the town of Has, where many women like Besmira live in a state of emotional limbo, waiting for their husbands who have moved abroad. With a population of just 5,000, the absence of men has altered family dynamics and led to a societal imbalance. The local council recently erected a monument to symbolize Has's ties to Britain, but the emotional fallout is evident, as women struggle to maintain traditional familial roles in the absence of their partners. With increasing economic pressures and a rising divorce rate, the town grapples with a new reality where money does not equal happiness or stability.

The significant number of men leaving Albania for the UK not only affects families but also reshapes the community's future. As young boys abandon education for migration, traditional gender roles are disrupted, resulting in many women taking on dual responsibilities. The social fabric of Has is fraying, where the promise of financial gain clashes with rising personal costs, including emotional trauma and family disintegration. This is a vital issue that resonates beyond Albania, reflecting broader global migration trends and their impact on local communities.

Highlights

The ongoing exodus raises critical questions about identity and belonging within these communities.