Starmer’s Historic Albania Visit Slashes Illegal Migration by 95%
Keir Starmer made history on 15 May 2025 by visiting Tirana, Albania, for the first time as the UK Prime Minister. The trip highlighted a tough new chapter in the UK-Albania fight against illegal migration and organised crime in the Western Balkans. The results? Albanian small boat arrivals in the UK have plummeted by a staggering 95% since 2022.
Joint Migration Task Force Grows Stronger
Starmer announced a major expansion of the UK-Albania Joint Migration Task Force. North Macedonia is now included, with talks underway to bring Montenegro on board. This task force is a game-changer, using shared intelligence and UK-funded drones to snuff out smugglers before they strike. The timing is crucial ahead of the Western Balkans Summit later this year.
Durres Port: The Frontline Against Traffickers
At Albania’s trafficking hotspot, Durres Port, Starmer witnessed UK-trained officers in action, equipped with new passport forgery detection tech donated by the UK. This gear targets fake travel documents, cutting off key trafficking routes. Meanwhile, a fresh crackdown on money laundering between Albania and the UK is also underway.
Smashing the ‘Revolving Door’ of Repeat Migrants
The UK is backing reintegration schemes in northern Albania, a region notorious for high migration rates. The British Embassy’s £6 million New Perspectives programme, launched in 2022, is creating jobs and social support, helping steer people away from risky migration attempts.
Crackdown on Crime and Forensics Yields Big Wins
Albania’s forensic capabilities got a £1 million boost from the UK in 2025, enhancing digital and biometric crime-fighting tools. Since 2023, this partnership has led to 55 arrests in the UK, many tied to serious crimes, thanks to cross-border DNA matches and more than 1,000 database hits. The joint effort is disrupting crime networks like never before.
Public Praise Rains Down on Social Media
“UK-Albania collaboration has cut illegal Albanian arrivals by over 90% in two years.”
“Starmer’s Albania visit highlights proactive steps against migration crime.”
Defence Ties Strengthened with Operation Interflex
Starmer also visited British and Albanian troops training Ukrainian soldiers under Operation Interflex, reinforcing defence cooperation between the two nations. The visit continues with a European Political Community roundtable, where migration and security talks are set to heat up.
Starmer’s Upstream Approach is the Future of Migration Control
“This partnership proves that intervening upstream works,” Starmer said. “It’s how we secure borders while supporting economic opportunity and public safety.”
The new deal lines up with the UK’s 2025 Immigration White Paper goals, aiming for long-term cuts in net migration and a firm crackdown on international trafficking syndicates.
