UK Steps Up Fight Against Organised Immigration Crime in Western Balkans

During a landmark visit to Albania, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a major expansion of Britain’s efforts to dismantle criminal networks which are driving illegal migration through the Western Balkans. As part of a wider crackdown the UK will now expand its Joint Migration Task Force which was previously limited to Albania and Kosovo to include North Macedonia and Montenegro.

The taskforce, focused on upstream intervention, brings together intelligence and enforcement assets from partner countries. The taskforce will improve intelligence sharing throughout the United Kingdom, use drones to monitor smuggling cartels and provide help to the local border checks to stop migrants, before they enter the UK.

Enhancing UK-Albania Strategic Partnership

Starmer’s visit comes after the launch of the UK’s Immigration White Paper which includes significant changes to reduce net migration. Further highlighting the gains from bilateral action, Albanian small boat arrivals have fallen by 95% over the last three years and more than 5,000 Albanians were returned in 2024 twice that of two years ago.

Starmer and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, to solidify cooperation, agreed some new initiatives to combat fraudulent documents, prevent reentry of deported migrants and dismantle underground financing networks. The UK will donate forgery detection machines to the Albanian police and contribute GBP 1 million to improve forensic and biometric capabilities. This will allow enhanced tracking of serious criminals, 55 of which have already been detained as a result of UK-Albania data sharing.

The UK will also provide funds for youth reintegration programmes to stop repeat migration, particularly in northern Albania. Starmer is set to wrap up the visit by participating in the European Political Community summit, where he will lead discussion on defence, security and migration.

With partnerships like these, Britain looks to reduce organised immigration crime and better protect its borders while encouraging stability in the region.