Establishment of the National Diaspora Agency

Official Bulletin no. 232, dated December 28, 2017

On 18.12.2017, the Parliament of the Republic of Albania approved law no.115/2017 “On the establishment of the National Diaspora Agency” defining the creation, mission, organization and functioning of the latter. The National Diaspora Agency has the mission to develop and consolidate institutional cooperation with the Diaspora through: a) improving the position of the diaspora and protecting its rights and interests where it is located; b) provision of assistance for the preservation of national language and cultural heritage; c) Encouraging economic cooperation between the country of origin and the diaspora; d) cooperation for prosperity, peace, wellbeing, culture and social solidarity of the whole nation. The duties of the Agency defined in this law are:

  1. Takes measures to establish a unique diaspora database based on the person’s free will. The preservation and processing of personal data is done in accordance with the applicable legislation on personal data protection.
  2. Implements policies and projects related to the Diaspora.
  3. Prepares periodical reports on the activity of the Agency, which it submits for approval to the Minister responsible for the Diaspora.
  4. Prepares and coordinates the work for the drafting and reviewing of the National Diaspora Strategy and monitors its implementation.
  5. Maintains links between the Diaspora, its representatives and the country of origin.
  6. Answers on the functioning and financial management of the Agency.
  7. Cooperates and coordinates activities with state institutions, civil society and organizations at home and abroad to improve the position of the diaspora in the world.
  8. Helps maintain and develop the diaspora’s language, national and cultural values.
  9. Informs the diaspora on the political processes in the country of origin, with a view to their inclusion in the political, economic and cultural life of the Republic of Albania.
  10. 10. Administers the assets in its disposal.