Tahiri tells Germany to end incentives that encourage Albanian asylum seekers

25/08/2015 00:00

Germany should abolish all incentives that have served as e motif for a high number of Albanians to request asylum in the country, Internal Minister Saimir Tahiri said during a press conference. He told reporters he requested his German counterpart, Thomas de Maiziere, to classify Albania as a safe country of origin, in order to stop the asylum seekers.

Tahiri explained this request has also been put forward by Prime Minsiter Edi Rama to his counterpart, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and he confirmed this process has already started there. The Minister informed that figures of Albanian asylum seekers published by German authorities do not correspond with those of people exiting Albania, something that confirms suggestions that most of them go to Germany from other European countries. To shed light on this matter, Tahiri said he has requested data to EU countries, especially Germany.

The Minister made it clear that Albanian institutions are implementing rigorously measures to prevent people leaving the country and illegally filing for asylum. On border crossing points German officers are helping Albanian authorities to better manage the situation. In the end, Tahiri requested to opposition members to restrain by using this crisis for political gains and to cooperate with the government on this issue.

Top Channel