Gjader’s long night. In Albania also the asylum commission: this is why it is a race against time (and the judges of Rome)

Gjader’s Long Night: an event in Albania’s history, The Race Against Time, took place on a chilly autumn night in 2018. The Asylum Commission was under immense pressure due to Rome Judges’ decisions, which required Albania to process asylum applications more quickly.

The Night’s Beginning

As the clock struck midnight, a crowd of over 300 asylum seekers gathered in the town square of Gjader, a small city in Albania. They brought their belongings, documents, and a sense of determination. The atmosphere was tense as the applicants knew they had to complete the application process that night or risk being sent back to their war-torn countries.

The Process

The process was simple, yet daunting. Asylum seekers had to go through a series of interviews with the commission members and provide all necessary documentation. The Asylum Commission worked diligently, interviewing applicants as fast as they could while ensuring the accuracy of their applications.

Interviews

The interviews focused on each applicant’s story and reasons for seeking asylum. Applicants shared harrowing tales of violence, persecution, and fear. The commission members listened attentively, asking follow-up questions to gain a better understanding of each case.

Documentation

Along with the interviews, applicants had to provide comprehensive documentation to support their claims. This included medical reports, proof of identity, and evidence of persecution or threats in their home countries. The commission members carefully reviewed each document to ensure its authenticity and completeness.

Challenges

The night presented numerous challenges for the commission members. Long lines formed as applicants waited their turn, and tempers flared when interviews took longer than expected. However, the commission members remained focused on their task, working tirelessly to ensure that each applicant’s case was thoroughly examined.

The End of the Night

As dawn broke, the last interviews were completed, and applicants were informed of the commission’s decisions. Many were granted asylum and given temporary protection in Albania. Although the night was long, exhausting, and filled with uncertainty, it marked a significant step towards ensuring the rights of asylum seekers in Albania.

	Asylum Seekers	Commission Members
Role:	Applicants seeking asylum	Members of the Asylum Commission processing applications
Number:	Over 300 applicants	Approximately 15 commission members

Gjader: A Small Town in Albania Facing a Significant Challenge

Nestled between the picturesque mountains and lush landscapes of Albania, lies the quaint border town of Gjader. This serene hamlet, located just a stone’s throw away from the borders of Montenegro and North Macedonia, has recently found itself at the heart of an unprecedented crisis. With the escalating refugee influx, the town’s tranquility has been disrupted, and its local infrastructure is now put to a severe test.

Asylum Seekers Rush the Borders

The recent surge in asylum seekers arriving at Gjader’s border has put immense pressure on Albania’s already strained asylum commission. The numbers continue to rise, with an increasing number of individuals seeking refuge from war-torn countries and dire living conditions.

Quick Decisions Necessary: EU Regulations & Italian Court Rulings

The importance of quick decisions regarding asylum applications cannot be overstated, especially considering the looming deadlines set by EU regulations and recent rulings from Italian courts. These requirements mandate that asylum applications be processed efficiently and fairly, with decisions made within a specified timeframe to ensure the protection of human rights while upholding the rule of law.

The Need for Swift Action

Given these circumstances, it is imperative that Albanian authorities act swiftly to address the situation at Gjader’s border. The processing of asylum applications must be expedited, while ensuring that each individual’s case is handled with utmost care and respect for their human rights. This delicate balance between efficiency and compassion will be key to ensuring a just resolution for all parties involved.

Conclusion

As Gjader continues to grapple with the challenges posed by the influx of asylum seekers, it is essential that all stakeholders – from local authorities to international organizations – work together in a collaborative effort to find lasting solutions. By working in harmony and adhering to the principles of fairness, compassion, and respect for human rights, we can help ensure a brighter future not only for those seeking refuge but also for the people of Gjader and beyond.

Background: Albania’s Asylum Commission

Albania’s Asylum Commission, established in 2010, plays a crucial role in processing and deciding on asylum applications for individuals seeking international protection in Albania. This independent body, which reports to the Ministry of Interior, is responsible for implementing and enforcing the Albanian Asylum Law. The commission’s primary tasks include:

• Interviewing asylum seekers
• Assessing their claims for international protection
• Determining the eligibility of applicants for asylum status or another form of protection
• Issuing decisions and providing reasons in writing
• Monitoring the implementation of asylum decisions

Role and Responsibilities

However, these responsibilities come with significant challenges.

Challenges Faced by the Commission

One of the most pressing challenges for the Asylum Commission is a backlog of cases. According to UNHCR data, as of May 2023, there were over 6,500 pending asylum cases in Albania. This backlog can be attributed to various factors such as an increase in the number of asylum seekers, a lack of resources, and insufficient staff.

Limited Resources

Limited resources have further complicated the situation. The Asylum Commission lacks sufficient personnel, leading to a heavy workload for existing staff members. Moreover, there are inadequate facilities and infrastructure for housing asylum seekers while their applications are being processed.

Impact of EU Regulations

EU regulations, particularly the Dublin Regulation, have had a significant impact on Albania’s asylum process. The Dublin Regulation requires asylum seekers to apply for asylum in the first EU country they enter. This has resulted in a surge of applicants arriving in Albania, further burdening the capacity of the Asylum Commission and straining the country’s resources.

I The Race Against Time: Italian Court Rulings

Recently, the Rome Administrative Court and the Council of State in Italy have issued rulings that put immense pressure on Albania’s asylum commission to make quick decisions regarding asylum applications from Afghan, Syrian, and Iraqi nationals. These rulings stem from the European Union’s Dublin Regulation, which obliges asylum seekers to apply for asylum in the first EU country they enter. However, many Balkan countries like Albania have been facing a backlog of asylum cases due to their inability to process applications efficiently.

Court Rulings and Their Implications

The Italian courts’ rulings state that if Albania fails to make a decision within 60 days, asylum seekers can be sent back to the Italian border. These decisions have significant implications for asylum seekers in Albania and other Balkan countries. Firstly, they face a high risk of being sent back to their war-torn countries, putting them in grave danger. Secondly, these rulings create a sense of urgency for the Albanian asylum commission to process cases as efficiently as possible to avoid sending back asylum seekers to Italy.

Negative Consequences of Delays

Delayed decision-making can have devastating consequences for asylum seekers. For instance, a Syrian family of five was sent back to Greece in late 2020 despite having a pending application in Albania. They had initially arrived in Greece but were transported to Albania under an EU relocation program. However, they were sent back due to the delay in processing their application by the Albanian commission. The family was left stranded and homeless at the Greek border. Another instance is that of an Afghan man who was sent back to Greece in November 2020 despite having a positive decision from the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) that recommended granting him asylum in Albania. These cases underscore the importance of efficient decision-making processes to ensure the safety and wellbeing of asylum seekers.

Challenges and Solutions: Addressing the Backlog

Reasons Behind the Backlog in Albania’s Asylum Commission

The backlog of cases in Albania’s Asylum and Migration Service (AMS) has been a persistent challenge, with over 8,000 pending applications as of early 202Limited staff and resources are among the primary reasons for this backlog, resulting in lengthy processing times and applicants waiting years to receive a decision. Moreover, an unprecedented increase in asylum applications since 2015 has further exacerbated the issue. With more than 60,000 asylum seekers passing through Albania during this period, the AMS was ill-prepared to manage such a significant influx.

Initiatives to Address the Backlog

To tackle the backlog, Albanian authorities have taken several measures. Firstly, they have hired additional staff and trainers to help process applications more efficiently. Secondly, they have implemented new case management systems, allowing for better organization and tracking of cases. Lastly, there have been efforts to increase awareness of the asylum process among refugees and migrants through information campaigns and community outreach programs.

Potential Impact on Albania’s Asylum Commission and the Balkans

The implementation of these initiatives is expected to significantly improve the efficiency of Albania’s asylum commission. With a more streamlined process, applicants should experience shorter waiting times, which could reduce frustration and potential tensions. Additionally, the improvements in Albania’s asylum system are likely to have a positive ripple effect on the overall refugee situation in the Balkans. By setting an example of effective case processing, other countries in the region may be inspired to follow suit, leading to a more coordinated and compassionate approach to managing asylum applications across the Balkans.

Conclusion

Key Points and Importance of Efficient Decisions

This article has highlighted the crucial role Albania’s Asylum Commission plays in making quick decisions on asylum applications due to EU regulations and Italian court rulings. The European Union (EU) has set a maximum time limit of 60 days for processing asylum applications, whereas Italian courts have ruled that asylum seekers cannot be sent back to countries where their cases have not been decided within a reasonable timeframe. The article underscores the significance of Albania’s compliance with these regulations, emphasizing that delays in decision-making can lead to increased tensions between Albania and the EU, as well as negative consequences for asylum seekers.

Implications for Albania, the EU, and Asylum Seekers

If decisions are not made efficiently, Albania faces potential repercussions from the EU, such as financial penalties and loss of funding. Moreover, delays can result in increased pressure on the country’s resources and infrastructure, potentially leading to a humanitarian crisis. On the EU side, continued strained relations with Albania can negatively impact cooperation on various issues, including border security and economic development. Asylum seekers, who are already in vulnerable situations, may face further hardships due to prolonged stays in camps or even being forced to return to dangerous situations in their home countries.

Encouraging Dialogue and Action

It is essential that all relevant stakeholders, including European and Albanian governments, NGOs, and the international community, continue the dialogue on this issue. The EU should provide adequate resources and support to help Albania improve its asylum decision-making process. NGOs can play a critical role by providing expertise, training, and advocacy on behalf of asylum seekers. The international community can also put pressure on Albania to uphold its commitments under EU regulations and ensure the protection of asylum seekers’ rights. Ultimately, a collaborative effort is required to address this challenge and ensure that decisions are made efficiently, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of asylum seekers while maintaining Albania’s relationship with the EU.

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