Newsletter 10.07.2024

Open Balkan  

The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs has announced that the First Protocol for the implementation of the agreement on conditions for free access to the labor market in the Western Balkans, signed in Skopje on January 22, 2024, entered into force on June 14, 2024. 

What does this Protocol consist of? 

The Western Balkan states, namely Albania, North Macedonia, and Serbia, signed the “Agreement on conditions for free access to the labor market in the Western Balkans” in 2022. They undertook to simplify administrative procedures for entry, movement, residence, and work of nationals of the contracting parties. 

To exercise the right of free access to the labor market, a national of a contracting party will apply online by registering specific data such as personal information, financial resources, professional qualifications, judicial status, potential employment, etc. 

The validity of this access is for 2 years, with the possibility of renewal. 

The entry into force of the Protocol enables the practical initiation of procedures for nationals of the contracting parties seeking free access to the labor market. Since this is a relatively new service, it will take some time for proper practice to be established by state authorities. 

Changes to Law No. 10129, dated May 11, 2009, on Civil Status 

Given that in recent years civil status documents can now be obtained electronically through e-Albania, this has been reflected in amendments made to the law. “Civil status data is valid when issued by employees of the civil status service or when issued electronically, in the manner and form prescribed in this law and its implementing regulations.” 

Concepts of residence and domicile have been introduced, referring to definitions found in the Civil Code: 

1. Domicile is where a person, due to work or permanent service, the location of property, or the pursuit of their interests, habitually resides or spends most of their time. 
2. Residence of a person is where they are for performing specific work or duties, continuing a specific school or course, receiving medical treatment, serving a penal sentence, and for other similar purposes. 

Additionally, the amendments include the obligation of the ministry responsible for civil status to issue implementing regulations on the rules, procedures, marriage documents, and rules for changing surnames due to marriage. 

Another change is that now the civil status archive office near the district prefecture can issue certificates to Albanian citizens confirming their identity if discrepancies in civil status components are found between different documents. 

Some articles related to the residence and domicile of citizens have been repealed and grouped into a single article, such as their declaration and change or the residence in institutions for penal sentence and long-term medical treatment for electoral purposes. Regarding the latter, citizens residing in these places may vote at polling stations established specifically for them. 

The changes to the Civil Status Law were necessary to update the terminology used and to ensure that the procedures are accurately reflected.