An Albanian migrant has shared his struggles of illegal work in the UK, describing it as “unbearable” after ending up on a cannabis farm. Gzim, who traveled to the UK illegally, hoped for a better future but found himself trapped in exploitative conditions.
Like thousands of other Albanians, Gzim crossed the English Channel in 2022 after paying smugglers £3,500. Upon arrival, he was placed in a hotel but quickly left to seek work. His first job was on a cannabis farm, but after a robbery, he received no pay. He later found construction work but was paid so little that he could not support himself or his family. After just five months, he decided to return to Albania, disillusioned by the reality of life as an undocumented worker.
The UK government has relaunched a social media campaign warning Albanians about the dangers of illegal migration, highlighting stories like Gzim’s. The number of Albanians crossing the Channel has already dropped significantly, from over 12,600 in 2022 to just 616 last year. This decline follows increased deportations, law enforcement efforts, and cooperation between the UK and Albania.
Albanian officials say many young people have been misled by online promises of easy money in Britain, only to face exploitation. Some have been trafficked and forced into modern slavery. The British Embassy has invested £6 million into the “New Perspectives” program, which aims to create jobs and business opportunities in Albania to discourage migration.
Officials in Albania hope to reverse the trend of emigration. The mayor of Kukës, a northern city once known for high migration rates, is calling on Albanians abroad to return, promising investment support. Meanwhile, Albanian police are working closely with the UK to crack down on smuggling networks, using high-tech surveillance to track illegal migration routes.
Despite these efforts, many Albanians still struggle with limited opportunities at home, pushing them to take risks for a better future. However, Gzim’s story is a reminder that illegal migration can lead to hardship, debt, and shattered dreams.