Albania requires thousands of workers, particularly in the hospitality, construction, and textile industries, with a 25% increase in demand for foreign workers in 2024. The government is actively recruiting foreign labor from countries like the Philippines, Africa, and India to meet this demand. In 2024, over 64,000 job vacancies were announced, while 7,823 work permits were issued to non-EU nationals in 2023.

Key demand sectors

• Hospitality:

This sector has the highest demand, with a strong need for staff during tourist seasons.

• Construction:

There is a significant need for construction workers, making it a top hiring sector.

• Textiles:

The textile industry is another sector with a high demand for workers.

• Manufacturing:

This sector has a notable number of foreign employees, particularly in manufacturing enterprises.

Government initiatives

• The Albanian government is finalizing contracts to “import” qualified employees from the Philippines to address shortages, especially in the tourism and manufacturing sectors.

Foreign worker statistics

• In 2023, 7,823 work permits were granted to non-EU nationals.
• More than 4,500 foreign workers received legal residence permits in 2023.
• A 25% increase in the demand for foreign workers was reported in 2024.

As of the second quarter of 2025, there are approximately 1.17 million employed workers in Albania. The total labor force, which includes both employed and unemployed individuals seeking work, was reported to be around 1.37 million people in 2024.

Current labor market data indicates that:

• The number of employed persons is 1,170 thousand (1.17 million).
• The employment rate for the population aged 15-64 is 69.1%.
• The unemployment rate is 8.5%.
• The top sectors for employment include services, construction, and agriculture.

There is also a high demand for additional workers in certain sectors, particularly hospitality, construction, and textiles, with a growing need for foreign workers to fill vacancies.