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“Mother Teresa” University in Skopje
9th
International Migration Conference
20 November 2025, Skopje,
Republic of North Macedonia
BOOK OF ABSTRACTS
BOOK OF
ABSTRACTS
_______________________________________
www.migration.unt.edu.mk
STEERING
COMMITTEE:
Nermin Oruč (Centre for Development
Evaluation and Social Science Research, Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Robert Pichler (Austrian Academy of
Sciences, Austria)
Jean-Michel
De Waele, (L’Université libre de Bruxelles)
Quirico Migheli, (University of
Sassari, Italy)
Iraj Hashi (Staffordshire
University, UK)
Alija Kozljak (International (International Burch University, Bosnia
and Herzegovina)
Chih-Wen Lan (China
University of Technology, Department of Architecture, Taiwan)
Mirko Nazzari
(University of Sassari, Italy)
Rizvan
Sulejmani (Mother Teresa University, North Macedonia)
Natasha
Sardzoska (Schiller International Univeristy, Heilderberg,
Germany)
Mimoza
Dushi (University of Prishtina, Kosova)
Elisabeta Bajrami Ollogu (Mother Teresa
University, North Macedonia)
Gabriele Ruiu (University of
Sassari, Italy)
Tahir Latifi (University of
Prishtina, Kosova)
Gonca Türk, (Istanbul Aydin
University, Turkey)
Azis Pollozhani ((Mother Teresa
University, North Macedonia)
Diturije Ismaili (Mother Teresa
University, North Macedonia)
Ermira Danaj (American Graduate
School in Paris, France)
Arta Xhelili (Mother Teresa
University, North Macedonia)
Drenusha Kamberi (Mother Teresa
University, North Macedonia)
Erka Çaro (University
of Tirana, Albania)
Amer Kurtovic,
(International Burch University, Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Fiona Todhri (University
of Tirana, Albania)
Sabina
Belshaku (Aleksander Xhuvani University, Elbasan,
Albania)
Queenbala Marak (Department
of Anthropology, NORTH-EASTERN HILL UNIVERSITY)
Marjan Gjurovski (St. Clement of Ohrid University of Bitola, North Macedonia)
Syeda Afroza Zerin (Department of Law,
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, American International University-
Bangladesh)
Agon Saiti (Mother Teresa
University, North Macedonia)
Elvisa Drishti
(University of Shkodra "Luigj Gurakuqi", Albania)
Rilind Ademi (Mother Teresa
University, North Macedonia)
Bresena
Kopliku (University of Shkodra "Luigj Gurakuqi",
Albania)
Olta
Qejvani (Aleksander Moisiu University, Albania)
Mirlinda Billalli (Mother Teresa
University, North Macedonia)
Mafruza Sultana (School of Arts and
Social Sciences, Uttara University, Bangladesh)
Enver Abdullahi ((Mother Teresa
University, North Macedonia)
Agron Vrangalla (Mother Teresa
University, North Macedonia)
Rubin Zemon (Center for Advanced
Research, Skopje)
Genta Spahija Mirzo (Mother Teresa
University, North Macedonia)
Hava Rexhep (Mother Teresa
University, North Macedonia)
ORGANISING COMMITTEE
Elisabeta
Bajrami Ollogu (Mother
Teresa University, North Macedonia) - Conference Chair
Ilir Idrizi (Mother
Teresa University, North Macedonia)- Conference Coordinator
Arta
Xhelili (Mother Teresa
University, North Macedonia)- Member
Agron Vrangalla (Mother Teresa University, North Macedonia)- Member
Drenusha Kamberi (Mother Teresa University, North Macedonia)- Member
Mirlinde Bilalli (Mother
Teresa University, North Macedonia)- Member
Agon
Saiti (Mother Teresa
University, North Macedonia)- Member
Migration
as a Weapon: Forced Displacement as a Strategy in International Politics – The
Case of Turkey and Syrian Refugees (2015–2020)
Agron Kurtishi
Associate
Professor - Faculty of Social Sciences, Mother Teresa University, Skopje, North
Macedonia
Abstract
In many countries, the specter of a continuous flow of migrants and/or refugees
reliably creates tension and anxiety.
Recently, migration has
been treated mainly as a humanitarian and economic phenomenon, linked to
conflict, poverty and human rights violations. It has transformed from a
natural process of human movement into a complex phenomenon with profound
political, economic and security consequences. Beyond the humanitarian
dimension, migration has become part of state strategies and instruments of
international politics, taking the form of what scholar Kelly M. Greenhill has
called “instrumentalized migration” or “migration as a weapon”. This concept
implies the use of migratory flows – often forced by conflict, violence or
poverty – as a means of exerting pressure on other states, in order to secure
political, economic or territorial benefits.
In this context, Turkey
presents a special case study. After the outbreak of the civil war in Syria, it
found itself at the epicenter of a global crisis, accepting millions of
refugees within its borders.
In fact, when it is said
that Turkey used Syrian refugees as a means of pressure on the EU, it means an
“active” use of migration by a state to achieve political or financial gains,
but this is only one link in a much more complex chain, because the Syrian
civil war did not take place in a vacuum, but several external actors created a
multilateral intervention that accelerated the disintegration of the Syrian
state. The result: millions of refugees who were displaced to Turkey, Lebanon,
Jordan and then towards Europe.
Studying this phenomenon
is essential to understanding how forced displacement can go beyond the
humanitarian framework and become an instrument of international power. It
raises important questions about the morality of politics, international
responsibility towards refugees, and the balance between national security and
human rights.
By analyzing the case of
Turkey in the period 2015–2020, this paper aims to examine not only the
internal dynamics of migration policy, its impact on international relations
and the perception of migration as a new form of power in the global arena, but
also the main causes of this wave of refugees.
The paper also highlights
the contradictions that arise from this instrumentalization – between
international obligations to protect refugees and their use as a tool in
political negotiations.
Through an
interdisciplinary approach, the paper argues that states need to develop new
mechanisms to deal with this form of pressure.
Keywords:
Migration,
migration as a weapon; Turkey; Syrian refugees; instrumentalization of
migration; human security;
Navigating Modern Challenges:
Determinants of Adolescent Mental-Health Distress and Social-Work Responses in
Post-Pandemic North Macedonia
Natasha Dimeska
PhD in Social Work and Social Policy
Coordinator for Development of Social Services, Ministry of Labor and Social
Policy, North Macedonia
Postdoctoral Researcher in Social Work and Digital Inclusion, University of
Catania, Italy
ORCID: 0009-0001-6932-3305
PhD candidate Marjan Dabeski
Head of Prison Police -Prison in Prilep, Ministry of
Justice, North Macedonia
ORCID: 0009-0003-3807-6529
Abstract
Objective:
This paper analyzes the determinants and manifestations of adolescent
mental-health distress in North Macedonia during the post-pandemic period of
rapid digitalization. It aims to identify the psychological, social, and
institutional factors shaping youth well-being and to define how social-work
practice can respond through innovative, preventive, and digitally informed
interventions.
Problem
under investigation:
Although the
National Youth Strategy 2023–2027 articulates strong policy intentions,
Macedonian adolescents continue to experience elevated rates of anxiety,
irritability, anger, and loneliness. Emotional dysregulation is aggravated by
social-media pressure, cyberbullying, and digital comparison, while school- and
community-based psychosocial services remain scarce. The widening gap between
growing psychological need and limited professional capacity—magnified by
stigma, mistrust, and economic precarity—constitutes a systemic public-health
risk.
Research
questions:
- What
are the primary stressors, emotional reactions, and coping mechanisms
among Macedonian adolescents?
- How do
digital environments—social networks, gaming, and online
communication—affect emotional stability and help-seeking?
- What
reforms are most urgent for mental-health and social-service systems?
Methodology:
Using a mixed-methods design,
the study integrates quantitative surveys (N = 120 adolescents, N = 35
professionals in social work, psychology, and education), semi-structured
interviews, and secondary analysis of WHO/Europe and national policy datasets.
Both statistical and thematic analyses were applied to identify behavioral
patterns, risk factors, and systemic gaps.
Findings:
Over 60 % of youth reported persistent sadness or stress; 52 % experienced
anger or frustration; fewer than 2 % had accessed professional psychological
support. Stigma, limited information, and confidentiality concerns hinder
help-seeking. Excessive screen exposure and cyberbullying intensify distress,
yet most participants expressed willingness to use secure, anonymous
e-counseling platforms. Professionals confirmed growing demand, burnout, and
weak institutional coordination.
Contribution
to research:
This study
contributes to regional debates on youth well-being and social policy by
proposing a hybrid preventive model
integrating school-based psychosocial teams, regional youth-service hubs, and
digital counseling systems. It frames adolescent mental health as both a
social-justice and development imperative—an essential foundation for social
cohesion, inclusion, and sustainable progress in North Macedonia.
The
Role and Contribution of Certain Non-Governmental Organizations in the Republic
of North Macedonia Towards Refugees
Ali Sadiku
Institute of Spiritual and Cultural Heritage of Albanians – Skopje
Abstract
Today, we are all
witnesses to the fact that numerous non-governmental organizations operate both
regionally and globally, working in various fields such as charity,
environment, human rights, culture, sports, and others. Similarly, in North
Macedonia, at the local level, several non-governmental organizations are
active.
The role of
non-governmental organizations in our society is of vital importance, as these
organizations play a crucial role in providing assistance and support to those
who suffer from poverty, illness, conflicts, and many other challenges.
The title of my paper is:
“The Role and Contribution of Certain Non-Governmental Organizations in the
Republic of North Macedonia Towards Refugees”, in which I will focus on the
role and contribution of the Humanitarian Organization EL HILAL, the Humanitarian
Organization KALLIRI I MIRËSISË, the Cultural Humanitarian
Organization MERHAMET, and the Non-Governmental Organization LEGIS.
Following the fall of the
communist dictatorship, unfortunately, our territories were also struck by war,
which caused immense suffering and severe trauma, forced displacement, and, as
a result, the arrival of refugees became inevitable. The teams of humanitarian
organizations demonstrated readiness to receive and accommodate the refugees in
voluntary households and in various social centers across the Republic of North
Macedonia.
In this paper, with
particular emphasis, I will present the contribution of the aforementioned four
humanitarian organizations in their efforts concerning the reception and
accommodation of refugees from: the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the
Republic of Kosovo, the Presheva Valley, the Republic
of North Macedonia, and the Middle East, among others.
During this period of
dramatic upheaval, the activists of these organizations did not remain idle but
undertook all necessary measures to assist hundreds of thousands of people who
were overwhelmed by anxiety, fear, and grief.
The purpose of this topic
is to provide studies through researchers, and other stakeholders with the
visible and fair opportunities that these four organizations from North
Macedonia have had towards refugees. The methodology of the processing is:
gathering and selecting literature from NGOs; Analyzing, structuring the
literature of the collection and processing of literature with concrete data.
From this paper i expect to have concrete results regarding the role and
contribution of these four non-governmental organizations towards refugees that
have and operate in the Republic of North Macedonia.
Keywords:
Organization, Refugee, Humanity, Anxiety, NGO.
The geopolitical impact
on the prevention of migration as part of organized crime in the Western
Balkans
Amir Shaban
M.A. in International Relations and
Diplomacy
Abstract
As a region with a specific geopolitical
and geostrategic position, the Western Balkans, this name is more political
than geographical, as it is like Southeast Europe, is positioned as a subject
of illegal migration and is located at the crossroads of the routes of
immigrants from Asia and Africa that lead to Western Europe.
This scientific paper attempts
to answer two questions:
1) The geopolitical
context of migrant routes and their impact on the growth of migrant smuggling;
and
2) The focus of migrant
smuggling within organized crime groups.
According to the European police
organization, the northern borders of the Western Balkans region with the
European Union will remain key points. The strengthening of Serbian-Hungarian
border controls has curbed movements to Hungary since October 2023 and
diversions to the Bosnia and Herzegovina – Croatia point or other exit areas
such as the one between Serbia and Croatia may be seen as routes by smugglers
of irregular migrants.
This paper’s methodology is based on a
case study analysis of the Western Balkan region, policy documents from open
sources, and statements of European officials. Also, several surveys have been
researched by the law enforcement authorities of the region’s countries, who
work directly at the border points and engage in the prevention of migrant
smuggling.
Keywords:
migrants, geopolitics, organized crime,
refugee, Western Balkans, European Union.
Migration and Human Security in the
Western Balkans: Political, Economic and Social Dimensions
Ardijan
Ismaili, PhD
Founder / President of the Association for Research and Analysis of Security Threats
CENTER FOR
SECURITY STUDIES Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia
Ardonit Ismaili, PhD Student
Faculty of Security, St. Kliment Ohridski University, Bitola, North Macedonia
Abstract
Migration is one of the
current phenomena that has influenced the change of the social and
institutional structure of the Western Balkans, undermining human security. The
challenges that human security faces are interconnected with the political,
economic and social aspects. Such interconnections of challenges clearly
indicate the need for the analysis of migration also in terms of human
security. This study has the primary objective of clarifying the impact of
migration on human security in the Western Balkans. The research goal is to
identify the way in which migration affects the undermining of human security
through political, economic and social aspects. The study aims as a practical
goal to provide general recommendations for public policies that would address
migration also in terms of human security.
The hypothesis of our
study is that migration weakens human security under the influence of
political, economic and social factors, indicating the basic need for
orientation of public policies that will include human security as a necessary
approach in migration management. The research is based on the analysis of the
qualitative approach through relevant literature, program documents, strategic
documents, statistical data and reports from international institutions. The
findings show that migration affects the labor market, the loss of professional
staff, dependence on the diaspora, limited economic opportunities, weak social
assistance, and inadequate policy addressing, affecting the weakening of human
security.
Our scientific work shows
that human security should be a separate dimension of the treatment of
migration. Our recommendation is that human security should be integrated into
public policies for migration management, which would help more in the sustainable
development of the political, economic and social aspects.
Keywords:
Migration, Human Security, Western Balkans, Political Dimensions, Public Policy
“Political Behavior of the Albanian
Diaspora in Local Elections: Mobilization for Kërçova
2025”
Agron Vrangalla
Mother Teresa
University
This study investigates
the role of the Albanian diaspora in the 2025 local elections in Kërçova, North Macedonia, focusing on their
mobilization to support the Albanian candidate. Despite the circulation of
illegal wiretaps alleging unethical and corrupt behavior by the incumbent mayor
and candidate, the diaspora prioritizes ensuring Albanian political
representation and preventing the victory of the Macedonian candidate. This
case highlights a unique dynamic in which ethnic loyalty appears to outweigh
moral considerations in voting decisions.
The research addresses
the following questions: What motivates diaspora voters to participate actively
in homeland elections despite allegations against the candidate? How do
diaspora associations in countries such as Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Italy,
and the United States organize participation and mobilize supporters? How do
social and organizational networks facilitate turnout and collective support?
A qualitative approach is
employed, combining interviews with diaspora associations and analysis of
publicly available discourse, including social media and news content, to
explore organizational strategies, motivations, and patterns of engagement.
Preliminary insights suggest that diaspora mobilization is highly organized,
historically influential, and decisive in election outcomes, driven
predominantly by ethnic solidarity rather than ethical evaluation. Diaspora
narratives frequently frame participation as a civic duty, an expression of
collective identity, and a means to maintain political representation in Kërçova.
This study contributes to
scholarship on diaspora political behavior, transnational engagement, and
identity-based voting, offering insights into how diaspora communities shape
local electoral outcomes and negotiate ethical dilemmas in multiethnic societies.
The findings highlight the enduring influence of diaspora networks and the
complex interaction between ethnic loyalty and moral reasoning in contemporary
politics.
Keywords:
Albanian diaspora, Local elections, Kërçova
2025, Political mobilization, Ethnic loyalty, Transnational engagement,
Diaspora associations.
Shifting
Migration Patterns in North Macedonia as a Country of Origin: Health Workers’
Migration to High-Income Countries
Drenusha
Kamberi
Faculty of Law
Mother
Teresa University - Skopje
Bajram Kamberi
Faculty of Medical Sciences
State University of Tetova – Tetova
Farije Kamberi
Medical
High School – Tetova
Gojart Kamberi
Independent
Researcher
North Macedonia it is well-known on its
history of migration as a country of origin of the guest workers who travailed
in Europe, mainly in Germany, after the World War II. Their status on temporary
migrants, in most of the cases, became a permanent one. Labor-shortage it had been and continues to
be one of the driven factors but through the years the context upon which the
migration happens changed significantly, both for the destination countries and
the countries of origin, including North Macedonia. In the last decade,
migration of the medical staff from North Macedonia to the high-income
countries increased rapidly. Additionally, the greater interest showed by the
students from the High Medical Schools and the Faculties of Medical Sciences to
start their professional careers abroad indicates that in near future North
Macedonia will have to cope with severely challenges related to the weakened
healthcare system, and demographic and cultural changes. The purpose of this
paper, it is to study the phenomenon of the medical staff migration, as a form
of high-skilled migration, by focusing on the case of North Macedonia. Through
a mix-methods analysis will be explored in-depth whether migration of doctors
and nurses, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic, it is reflection of the
on-going global trend of migration. The two main research questions are defined
as follow: What are the pull factors within the global trend of medical staff migration?; and How global trends
impact migratory patterns in North Macedonia?
Keywords:
healthcare system, culture, demography, doctors, nurses, migration, global
trend
Regime Change Followed
with Political and Economic Instability: Involuntary Migration from Kosovo in
the 1990s
Drenusha Kamberi
Mother
Teresa University - Skopje
Avni Avdiu
Mother
Teresa University – Skopje
Gojart Kamberi, PhD
Independent
Researcher
Abstract
Abrogation of the Kosovo’s autonomy had
signified intensification of the efforts for political mobilization of the
Kosovo Albanians towards their goal for an independent state. Belgrade’s
permanent attitude on treating Kosovo as an integral part of Serbia had been
enforced especially with the constitutional changes. Considering that in part
of the United Nations documents, especially on the reports of the Special
Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights, the question of the massive
forced migration of the Kosovo Albanians for the period from 1989 to 1999 it
have been outlined, in this paper will be studied those documents, including
the resolutions adopted by the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council,
reports, verbatim records from official meetings and other relevant data and
information presented by UN institutions and bodies. The aim of this paper it
is to analyze the phenomenon of forced migration as a form of involuntary
movement of people caused by continuous and planned political and economic
discrimination, pressure and violence by an authoritarian regime, focusing on
the case of Kosovo. For that reason, through a qualitative
research based on content analysis of the official documents will be
looked on: How did revocation of the Kosovo autonomy framed the aftermath of
the political and economic context? Additionally, will be worked over two
research questions: How did the political transitions led to the decisions for
leaving Kosovo?; and How did
the Serbian discriminatory policies worsened the economic wellbeing of the
Kosovo Albanians?
Keywords: asylum seeking,
autonomy, forced migration, Kosovo
Challenges in the Implementation of the
Protocol “On Strengthening Cooperation in the Field of Migration”[1] between the Government of the Republic of
Italy and the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania.
Ph.D. Doriana Pano
Lecturer at the Department of Law,
Political and Administrative Sciences, Albanian University
Ph.D. Entiola Pano (Lazri)
Legal
Advisor in the High Judicial Council
External Lecturer at the Department
of Law, Political and Administrative Sciences, Albanian University
Abstract
This paper aims to address the principles upon which the drafting and adoption of the Protocol “On Strengthening Cooperation in the Field of Migration” agreed upon by the Government of the Republic of Italy and the Government of the Republic of Albania have been based, as well as the legal and political effects that will derive from its implementation. The Migration Protocol is not merely an agreement adopted within the framework of cooperation and friendship between the two countries; rather, it seeks to establish a stronger and more productive relationship in the area of managing irregular migratory flows a phenomenon historically present in the region. The initiative and initial proposal for the adoption of this Protocol originated from the Italian Government, yet the Migration Protocol itself has been considered to hold particular significance for the Albanian side as well. This is not only due to Albania’s priority of deepening its relations with the Republic of Italy, as an important partner, but also because the subject matter of the Protocol relating to the proper management of irregular migration flows represents an issue of special interest both for Albania and for the region as a whole. It is already well known that irregular migration toward European countries, and particularly toward Italy, is a phenomenon that also encompasses the Balkans as part of the Mediterranean area, which has often been not only a source of migration itself but also a transit zone for such migrants. Albania’s commitment to limiting and controlling this phenomenon represents not only a distancing from the country’s former image as a source of illegal migration, but also an effective effort to discourage this phenomenon regionally, indirectly encouraging individuals toward regular forms of mobility, in accordance with the legislation of the respective countries, as well as with European and international law.
Keywords: Migration Protocol; Applicable Legislation; Legality; Constitutionality; Harmonization.
Youth
Migration Trends and Labor Market Challenges in North Macedonia: An Empirical
Analysis
Elisabeta Bajrami Ollogu
Social Policy at Mother Teresa University in Skopje. ORCID: https://orcid.org/my-orcid?orcid=0000-0002-9993-7156
Arta Xhelili
Media and Communication at Mother Theresa University in Skopje. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5345-9948
Abstract
This paper explores how youth emigration influences the labor market in North Macedonia, focusing on the experiences and perspectives of individuals aged 18 to 30. Amid a steady outflow of young people, predominantly toward Western European countries, the domestic labor market faces growing challenges. The study aims to uncover the primary push and pull factors that drive emigration, highlighting the significance of economic prospects, social dynamics, and educational opportunities in shaping young people’s choices.
Using a quantitative research approach, the analysis assesses how youth perceive employment conditions and career prospects both within North Macedonia and abroad. It further investigates the immediate and long-term implications of this migration trend, such as the loss of skilled labor, disruptions in labor market structure, and broader effects on national economic growth.
By examining the underlying motivations and consequences of youth migration, this study provides valuable insights for understanding labor market resilience in North Macedonia. It concludes with policy-oriented recommendations to help retain young professionals, enhance job prospects, and promote inclusive and sustainable socioeconomic development.
Keywords: youth migration; labor market; North Macedonia; policy
The
Role of EU Agencies in the Approximation of Migration Policies: The Case of
North Macedonia
Enver
Abdullahi
Associate
Professor, Mother Teresa University, Skopje
Abstract
The
process of accession to the European Union requires that candidate states meet
a number of criteria, including those related to migration management, border
control and the asylum system. North Macedonia, as a candidate country, has
been subject to continuous assessments by relevant EU agencies in ts attempts to harmonize its legislation and make it
functional, such as by the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA, formerly
EASO) and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex).
This
paper aims to analyze how the technical assessments of these reforms undertaken
by the government of North Macedonia to meet the criteria for membership by
focusing on the relations of the reforms initiated by the EUAA and Frontex (as
a part of reforms from EU migration policies) towards candidate countries and
how these reforms have influenced the approximation of North Macedonia's
migration policies with the Acquis Communautaire. Using documentary analysis
and Commission reports in recent years, this study aims to answer the research
question: Can North Macedonia's efforts be considered sufficient to meet the
main criteria for the 1st Group (Chapter 24) of the EU accession negotiations?
Preliminary
results suggest that EUAA and Frontex interventions and assessments have served
as a key channeling
for institutional reforms, but significant challenges remain in
the effective implementation of legislation and in sustainable administrative
capacity building. This paper contributes to the academic debate on the role of
EU agencies in the preparation of candidate countries for membership, as well
as in identifying the most effective mechanisms for sustainable and
comprehensive approximation.
Key words: Migration, EUAA, Frontex, North Macedonia, EU-membership
Reintegration and
Adaptation of Students Returned from Migration in Primary Education: A Case
Study from Kosovo
Ermira
Kajtazi
Shkurta
Morina
Abstract
The reintegration of students who have
returned from migration into primary education represents a complex process
that involves pedagogical, social, and cultural dimensions. These students
often face changes in educational approaches, language, and cultural norms. The
purpose of this research is to understand how these students adapted after
their return, what challenges they encountered, and how teachers supported them
during this transition.
This study analyzes the
process of reintegration and adaptation of students returned from migration in
primary education in Kosovo. The research was conducted in six municipalities: Vushtrri, Gjilan, Kamenicë, Pejë, Rahovec, and Fushë
Kosovë, selected based on KAS data for high migration levels. Schools were
purposefully selected in both urban and rural areas, as the study includes a
comparison of student adaptation depending on the areas they belong to. A
qualitative approach was used through semi-structured interviews, focus groups,
and observations. The sample includes 80 reintegrated students from urban and
rural areas, as well as 30 primary school teachers selected using the quota
sampling method.
Data analysis through
Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) identified three main areas: emotional
adaptation, social inclusion, and classroom interactions. The findings show
that the greatest difficulties are related to language barriers, lack of
self-confidence, and the feeling of initial isolation. However, through the
support of teachers and cooperation with parents, most students manage to adapt
successfully and feel part of the school community.
The study emphasizes that
effective reintegration requires cooperation between educational institutions,
families, and the local community, as well as the establishment of an inclusive
school culture that promotes well-being and equity for all students.
Keywords:
educational reintegration; cultural adaptation; return migration; social
inclusion; primary education in Kosovo.
Title: Fascism and Islamophobia in the UK: Reflections
on the pogroms in 2024
Dr. Fahid Qurashi
University of Salford, UK
Abstract
The
Summer of 2024 saw fascist pogroms sweep across the UK targeting Muslim
communities with organised violence. Mosques, community centres, and countless
Muslims going about their daily lives were targeted with brutal violence that
re-opened decades old memories of fascistic violence roaming the streets with
impunity.
Whilst
inevitably and predictably energised by a rhetoric of ‘illegal immigration’ via
‘small boats’, I argue that the pogroms were the outcome of three interrelated
factors. Firstly, I show how racist immigration rhetoric, policies, and
practices (such as the ‘hostile environment’ policy and racist electioneering
on ‘small boats’) have served to construct racialised communities as an
existential threat to Britain, its way of life, and its values. Secondly, more
than two decades of the ‘war on terror’ has constructed Muslims and Islam as
national security threats to the west. The ‘Prevent Duty’ has institutionalised
a mass referral system of counterterrorism, underpinned by surveillance
(Qurashi, 2018), that has pathologized and criminalised Muslims and Islam
culminating in the deprivation of citizenship in the 2022 Nationality and
Borders Act. Thirdly, opposition to the genocide in Gaza has become the site at
which Muslims as security and existential threats have been operationalised.
Consequently, there has been a state demonisation and policing of Palestine
solidarity which is feeding fascist formations.
The
main argument of the paper is that we must see the fascist pogroms as being
intimately tied to British state politics which has led the way, legitimised
through institutional structures, and created the space for the racism of the
far right to flourish. In this way, the paper will advance research on this
theme of the conference by moving the analysis away from simply focussing on
the far right to understanding its institutional roots and dynamics.
Reinforcing Migration Resilience through
Skill-Diversification: Addressing Automation
Challenges in Bangladesh’s Remittance Economy
Fatema Mahmuda
Lecturer, School of General Education, BRAC
University, Bangladesh fatema.mahmuda@bracu.ac.bd
Abstract
Bangladesh’s
macroeconomic stability heavily relies on remittance inflows, which reached USD
21.9 billion in FY 2024, constituting approximately 6.8% of GDP and supporting
over 13 million migrant workers abroad (Bangladesh Bank, 2024; BMET, 2024).
While these inflows sustain household welfare, rural livelihoods, and
foreign-exchange reserves, they also expose the economy to structural
vulnerabilities. Automation and AI adoption in major destination countries
could displace up to 30 percent of low-skilled migrant jobs by 2035 (ILO, 2023;
World Bank, 2023), threatening the sustainability of remittance-dependent
development. The objective of this research is to critically assess these risks
and explore pathways for policy-driven resilience by examining how Bangladesh
can diversify and future-proof its remittance framework to withstand
technological, economic, and geopolitical volatility.
Through
thematic content analysis, the study analyses national policy documents,
Bangladesh Bank statistics and international reports from the IOM, ILO, and
World Bank using a secondary-data-based qualitative design. The findings reveal
that current policies emphasise short-term remittance stability rather than
structural adaptation. These extract policy narratives of risk, resilience, and
reinvention, leading to three foresight scenarios. First, an erosion scenario,
where automation accelerates remittance contraction; second, an adaptation
scenario, characterised by incremental diversification through skill
development and digital remittance platforms; and third, a reinvention
scenario, where migration policy aligns with innovation, diaspora investment, and
circular migration. These insights suggest the need for a resilience-focused
remittance strategy that bridges immediate economic stability with longer-term
developmental objectives. By aligning labour mobility, financial innovation,
and skills upgrading, such a framework can enhance macroeconomic robustness,
support household welfare, and mobilise resources more strategically. The paper
remains particularly relevant for policy formulation, programme design, and
strategic planning in countries like Bangladesh where migration-driven
development remains a key economic lever.
Keywords: Remittance dependence, Labour Migration, Migration
Governance, Policy foresight, Resilience, Diaspora investment.
The Impact of Demographic Changes in North Macedonia on
the Return of Nationalist Rhetoric from Political Parties
Assoc. Prof. Dr.
Fati Iseni
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6160-5298
Mother
Teresa University Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia
Dr.sc. Agim Jakupi
Mother
Teresa University Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia
Abstract
This paper analyzes the demographic
transformations in the Republic of North Macedonia and their implications for
the country’s political dynamics and interethnic relations. Demographic
trends—including population decline, migration, and shifting ethnic compositions—have
increasingly become subjects of political discourse and contestation. The study
explores how census data, birth and migration rates, and regional demographic
disparities influence political representation, resource distribution, and debates
over national identity. Particular attention is given to the politicization of
demographic statistics, which often reflect underlying tensions between the
Macedonian majority and Albanian and other minority communities. These
demographic shifts have profound effects on electoral politics, administrative
decentralization, and the broader process of state-building and European
integration. The paper argues that addressing demographic challenges requires
depoliticized data management, equitable public policies, and inclusive
governance aimed at fostering social cohesion and long-term stability.
Keywords:
North Macedonia; demographics; population change; ethnic composition;
migration; political representation; census; identity politics; Western
Balkans.
Methodology
This study employs a qualitative and
quantitative mixed-method approach to analyze demographic changes in North
Macedonia and their political implications. The research integrates statistical
analysis, document review, and comparative political analysis to examine how
population dynamics influence state policies, interethnic relations, and
political discourse.
Data
Sources:
The study relies on official demographic
data from the State Statistical Office of North Macedonia, the 2002 and 2021
national censuses, reports from Eurostat, the World Bank, and relevant policy
papers and academic publications.
Quantitative
Analysis:
Statistical data on population size,
ethnic composition, fertility, mortality, and migration patterns are analyzed
to identify long-term demographic trends and regional disparities. These
quantitative indicators are used to assess how demographic change correlates
with political representation, decentralization policies, and electoral
behavior.
Qualitative
Analysis:
The qualitative component involves content
analysis of government reports, political party statements, media discourse,
and academic literature related to demographics and identity politics. This
approach helps uncover how demographic narratives are framed and
instrumentalized in the political arena.
Comparative
and Historical Approach:
The research situates North Macedonia’s
demographic developments within the broader post-Yugoslav and Balkan context,
allowing for comparisons with neighboring multiethnic states. Historical
analysis traces how demographic issues have evolved from independence (1991) to
the present, particularly in relation to the 2001 Ohrid
Framework Agreement and subsequent census controversies.
Limitations:
The study acknowledges limitations arising
from data reliability, politically sensitive interpretations of census results,
and limited access to disaggregated migration statistics.
From Opportunity
to Departure: Fifteen Years of Visa-Free Travel and Youth Migration from North
Macedonia
Fatima Salifoska,
PhD
Institute of Spiritual
and Cultural Heritage of Albanians – Skopje
Nedzad Mehmedovic,
PhD
Email: nedjad.mehmedovikj@gmail.com
Institute
of National history - Skopje
Abstract
This paper examines the long-term effects
of visa liberalization on youth migration from North Macedonia, placing the
phenomenon within the broader European mobility context. It critically explores
how the initially celebrated expansion of travel freedoms, seen as a milestone
in the country's European integration, has evolved into a structural driver of
sustained brain drain. The study seeks to clarify the relationship between
liberal mobility regimes and the continuous outflow of young, educated citizens,
while highlighting the socio-economic and institutional factors that contribute
to this trend. The analysis combines quantitative migration data with
qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews with students and young
professionals both in North Macedonia and abroad. This mixed-method approach
provides a comprehensive understanding of how institutional inefficiencies,
limited career opportunities, and declining civic trust influence migration
decisions. The findings show that visa liberalization has not only promoted
short-term mobility but also facilitated the long-term emigration of skilled
youth, resulting in demographic and intellectual depletion. The paper argues
that reversing this trend requires national reforms focused on improving
employability, strengthening institutional accountability, and promoting social
cohesion. In contrast, restrictive migration policies would only address the
symptoms, not the root causes. By positioning North Macedonia’s experience
within the broader European migration discourse, the research contributes to a
deeper understanding of how mobility policies interact with development and
demographic sustainability.
Keywords:
North Macedonia, visa liberalization, brain drain, youth migration.
Migration
and Education Policies: Impact on Human Capital and Sustainable Development
Hava Rexhepi
Mother Theresa University, Faculty of
Social Science, Republic of North Macedonia,
Mirlinda Billali
Mother Theresa University, Faculty of
Social Science, Republic of North Macedonia,
Nora Taravari
Mother Theresa University, Faculty of
Social Science, Republic of North Macedonia
Abstract
Migration and education
policies are deeply interconnected domains that significantly influence the
development of human capital and the long-term progress of any nation. In the
case of North Macedonia, a country continuously affected by the emigration of
young and educated individuals, the dynamics between mobility and the education
system are becoming a defining challenge for social and economic
sustainability. The consequences of these trends include decreased student
enrollment, shortage of qualified teaching staff, and an increasing need for
educational reforms that align with global labor market demands.
The aim of this paper is
to explore the bidirectional relationship between migration and the country’s
education policies: how the functioning and quality of the education system
shape students’ and professionals’ decisions to migrate, and how emigration, in
turn, impacts the stability, accessibility, and relevance of education. The
analysis highlights several factors that influence educational mobility, such
as career prospects, the research environment, international academic
opportunities, and recognition of qualifications across borders.
Despite persistent
structural limitations, the data suggests that educational reforms can mitigate
emigration pressures. Strategic priorities include modernization of study
programs, digital and research-oriented learning, alignment with market needs,
improvement of working conditions in the education sector, and strong
partnerships between academia and industry.
In conclusion, migration
management must be integrated into the broader framework of educational
development. A comprehensive, long-term strategy that enhances competitiveness,
ensures fairness, and supports innovation is necessary to retain and attract skilled
individuals. By transforming challenges into opportunities through systematic
reforms, North Macedonia can reshape migration outcomes and reinforce education
as a foundation for sustainable national growth.
Keywords: migration,
education policy, mobility, human capital, innovation, North Macedonia
The
Problems and Challenges of Special Educators and Rehabilitators in the Process
of Inclusive Education
Adelina
Haskaj
Center for Rehabilitation of Verbal Communication
Pathology - Skopje
Silvana
Filipova
PSRC Idnina – Skopje, North
Macedonia
Abstract
Introduction: The special educator and
rehabilitator, as a professional profile, acquires competencies for the
education and rehabilitation of children with intellectual disabilities,
impaired vision, impaired hearing, motor disorders and autism in the regular
educational system as well as institutions and special schools that have been
transformed in resource centers. In this study, as a target group, professional
collaborators-special educators and rehabilitators included in 78 municipal
schools from the Skopje and northeastern part of North Macedonia and special
educators and rehabilitators from the primary school with a resource center
(OURC) "Idnina"-Skopje are taken. Special
educators and rehabilitators participate in supporting inclusive education in
various ways to improve the learning process among students.
Aim
of the research: In this research, the challenges faced by the special
educators and rehabilitators from the primary municipal schools and from the
OURC "Idnina" - Skopje in the process of
implementation of inclusive education will be considered.
Methodology: The research was conducted
through a questionnaire instrument for special educators and rehabilitators in
primary schools from the municipalities: Centar,
Butel, Chair, Shuto Orizari, Chucher Sandevo, Gazi Baba, Arachinovo,
Ilinden, Petrovec, Zelenikovo,
Kumanovo, Kriva Palanka, Kratovo, Rankovce,
Staro Nagoricane, Lipkovo.
Results: The results obtained from the
research mainly refer to the challenges faced by both sides in terms of
professional cooperation with students, teachers, parents, the community.
Conclusion: promotion of inclusive
practice and continuous support for quality and flexible teaching and
additional services according to the needs of students with disabilities.
Keywords:
inclusive education, special educators and rehabilitators, teachers, students
with disabilities, parents.
Migration in the Western Balkans: Social,
Economic, and Institutional Challenges in Kosovo and North Macedonia
Dr.sc. Imrane Morina
Faculty of Social Sciences, Mother Teresa
University, Skopje, North Macedonia
Doc.Dr.
Valbona Hajretin
Faculty of Legal Sciences, Mother Teresa
University, Skopje, North Macedonia
Abstract
This study analyzes the
social, economic, and institutional impacts of migration in Kosovo and North
Macedonia, viewing it as a multidimensional phenomenon that extends beyond its
demographic dimension. The main objective is to examine how the lack of coordinated
and standardized policies affects migration management and the effective
integration of migrants into society. The research addresses two core
questions: (1) how migration influences the social and economic development of
local communities, and (2) which integration practices from Western countries
can be adapted to improve migration policies in the Balkans.
The methodology is based
on a comparative analysis of migration policies and practices between Balkan
countries and Western Europe, drawing on secondary data from international
studies and reports.
Findings indicate that in
Kosovo and North Macedonia, migration is primarily economically driven and
often influenced by political and social factors. Rural communities face
population aging, economic decline, and dependence on remittances, while urban
areas experience a shortage of young professionals and barriers to innovation.
In contrast, countries such as Germany and Sweden have developed inclusive
integration policies that provide psychosocial support, intercultural
education, and family-oriented programs.
This study contributes to
the migration literature by emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and
long-term approach in the Balkans, where social, educational, and economic
policies intersect to reduce inequalities and promote the sustainable
integration of migrants into society.
Keywords:
migration, social integration, public policy, Western Balkans, economic
development, human capita
State
Policies Toward the Diaspora and Their Role in the Economic Development of
North Macedonia
Izet
Zeqiri
Mother
Teresa University
Abstract
The demographic potential
of a country constitutes a fundamental prerequisite for development and for
designing long-term policies in economic, political, educational, health, and
social fields. Population represents one of the most significant factors in
socio-economic development, as it directly influences the volume, structure,
and dynamics of production and consumption within a state. A considerable part
of North Macedonia’s population lives abroad, forming a wide diaspora that
represents an important economic, social, and cultural potential for the home
country.
This paper aims to
examine state policies toward the diaspora and its role in the economic
development of North Macedonia. It analyzes institutional measures, state
strategies, and programs designed to strengthen ties with the diaspora and
utilize its resources through remittances, investments, knowledge transfer, and
economic cooperation. The study also highlights the importance of strengthening
institutional capacities for monitoring and improving data quality on economic
migration and the potential return of migrants.
Methodologically, the
study is based on documentary analysis of state strategies, institutional
reports, and scientific literature on diaspora policies in the region. The
findings show that although remittances represent an important financial source
for the national economy, the lack of an integrated inter-institutional
approach and stimulating policies limits the developmental potential of the
diaspora.
The paper emphasizes the
need to create a more proactive model of state–diaspora cooperation that would
encourage productive investments, entrepreneurship, and the return of human
capital, positioning the diaspora as a key factor in the sustainable economic
development of North Macedonia.
Keywords:
diaspora, state policy, economic development, remittances, investments,
institutional cooperation.
The Inclusion or
Exclusion of Returned Migrants in the Albanian Education System
Dr.
Joana Kosho
Center
for Albanological and Balkan Studies, ‘A. Xhuvani’ University, Albania
Prof.assoc.dr.
Florenca Stafa
Center
for Albanological and Balkan Studies, ‘A. Xhuvani’ University
Dr.
Zyhra Gripshi
Department
of Sociology, ‘A. Xhuvani’ University’
Abstract
The inclusion or exclusion of migrants in
the education system has a profound impact on the social cohesion, or
the individual well-being, and has sparked the attention of many
researchers and policy-makers. Educational gaps are one of the most evident
effects of migration, others are isolation, bullying, or discrimination. At the
international level, a significant body of research explores the interconnected
themes of migration, inclusion, and education, (Giancola & Salmieri, 2018;
Panagiotis, 2023; Fandrem & Norman, 2024; Downes et al., 2024; etc.). On a
national level, based on previous studies, there is a lack of research on the
challenges and reintegration process for returned migrants within Albania's
educational system. The limited existing studies (Vathi, Duci & Dhembo,
2016) have identified several structural and practical barriers impeding the
inclusion of return migrants in the education system. We have conducted an
in-depth study, using social integration theories and frameworks related to
assimilation and inclusion, in order to understand the challenges faced by the
returned youth in the city of Elbasan. A structured questionnaire was
distributed to various groups: approximately 100 parents (first-generation
returnees), 120 schoolchildren (second-generation returnees), and about 40
students in higher education. Additionally, to gain deeper insights into the
educational challenges faced by returned young migrants, the survey included
approximately 720 teachers from the pre-university education system. Through
the questionnaires, interviews and personal observations, we have found many
educational gaps that the returned children and young adults experience due to
challenges in language, curriculum, and social adjustment. A mixed approach,
with qualitative and quantitative research, served us to draw useful
conclusions and underline some concrete steps and recommendations in order to
facilitate the inclusion and reintegration of returned migrants in the Albanian
education system.
Keywords: Return migrants, Albania,
inclusion, integration, challenges, strategies, education.
Cultural
Adaptation and the Politics of Inclusion in Migration Contexts
Mehraj Hussain Para
Research
Student, Department of English, Maulana Azad College of Arts, Science &
Commerce, Rauza Bagh, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar
Marathwada University, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar,
Maharashtra, India.
mehrajhussain366@gmail.com
Abstract
This study investigates how processes of
cultural adaptation and inclusion operate within contemporary migration
contexts, with a specific focus on Southeast Europe and the Balkans. It
addresses the central research question: How
do migrants and host societies co-construct practices of belonging and
inclusion within post-transitional, multicultural settings? Employing a
mixed-methods approach that combines policy analysis, discourse evaluation, and
semi-structured interviews with migrants and local stakeholders, the research
provides both empirical depth and analytical innovation. The data, collected
from case studies in Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Greece,
illuminate how governance frameworks, institutional norms, and cultural
narratives shape everyday encounters between migrants and host communities.
Findings reveal that cultural adaptation is not merely an individual or linear
process but a dynamic negotiation of recognition and participation mediated
through political, social, and symbolic structures. While national policies
often reproduce hierarchies of inclusion and exclusion, grassroots initiatives
and intercultural networks demonstrate alternative models of coexistence that
challenge dominant assimilationist discourses. The paper argues for a
redefinition of migration governance toward dialogic and participatory
paradigms that foreground mutual transformation and intercultural reciprocity.
By situating the Southeast European and Balkan experience within broader global
migration debates, the research contributes a regionally grounded yet
conceptually expansive understanding of adaptation as a shared ethical and
political endeavour. Ultimately, it advances a
nuanced framework for analyzing how inclusive practices can sustain democratic
pluralism in societies shaped by continuous mobility and cultural plurality.
Keywords:
cultural adaptation, migration governance, inclusion politics, Southeast
Europe, Balkans, intercultural dialogue
The Instrumentalization of
Refugees and Security Challenges: The Militarization of Borders and Pushback
Policies
Muhamet Racaj PhD
Mother Teresa University,
Skopje,
Senat Saliu
Independent researcher,
Republic of North Macedoni,
Abstract
This study examines the phenomenon of the instrumentalization
of refugees as a complex challenge to contemporary security, focusing on the
militarization of borders and the implementation of pushback policies by the
states through which they passed. The methodological approach includes a
critical analysis of academic literature, international reports, and case
studies of recent migration crises in Europe and the Middle East. The findings
reveal that this instrumentalization has led to a worsening of the humanitarian
situation and the erosion of refugee rights’ legitimacy, thereby threatening
international solidarity and the legal order. Ultimately, the study explores
the need for policies that balance security with respect for international law
and human dignity.
Keywords: refugees,
instrumentalization, national security, border militarization, pushback policy.
Diasporic Orthopraxy: Negotiating Shīʿī
Religious Authority and Identity in Western Academic Spaces
Dr. Muhammed R. Tajri
Lancaster
University, is a lecturer in Arabic and is a Research Lead for Societies and
Cultures
Abstract
This
paper examines how Shīʿa Muslim higher education students in the
United Kingdom negotiate and reconstruct religious authority within secular
academic environments. Drawing on qualitative sociological research—including
semi-structured interviews and participant observation—it explores how students
adapt orthopraxical expressions of authority such as ritual practice, embodied
piety, and communal leadership to align with the social and cultural
expectations of Western higher education.
In
classical Shīʿism, religious authority is traditionally rooted in the
scholarly hierarchy of the marjaʿ al- taqlīd and ʿālim,
mediated through structures of knowledge and emulation. Within diasporic
contexts, however, these configurations are not simply reproduced but
reinterpreted. Shīʿa students engage in everyday acts—leading
prayers, organising societies, managing mixed-gender interactions—that both
preserve and transform notions of legitimate authority.
Gender
plays a particularly significant role in this process. Female students often
exercise new forms of interpretive and organisational agency, reshaping the
gendered boundaries of authority while maintaining connection to
Shīʿī theological frameworks. These practices reveal how
authority becomes performative, negotiated, and context-dependent, rather than
fixed or inherited.
The
study argues that diasporic Shīʿī authority is increasingly
relational and adaptive, emerging through students’ interactions with secular
institutions, interfaith networks, and discourses of diversity and inclusion.
By tracing these processes, the paper contributes to broader understandings of
how Islamic authority and identity evolve in Western contexts, highlighting the
creative ways religious actors reconcile tradition and modernity within
pluralist settings.
Keywords: Shīʿa Muslims; religious authority; higher
education; diaspora; secularism; gender; embodied piety; performative
authority; United Kingdom; Islamic identity; adaptation; tradition and
modernity; pluralism.
Employment
and Economic Growth in North Macedonia: A Data-Driven Analysis of Labor-Market
Trends, Challenges, and Women’s Economic Independence
Dr. Natasha Dimeska
PhD in Social Work and Social Policy
Coordinator for Development of Social Services, Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, North Macedonia
Postdoctoral Researcher in Social Work
and Digital Inclusion, University of Catania, Italy
ORCID: 0009-0001-6932-3305
PhD Candidate Marjan Dabeski
MA in Criminal Law
Head of Prison Police – Prison in Prilep,
Ministry of Justice, North Macedonia
Researcher in Juvenile Justice, Social Reintegration, and Correctional Policy
ORCID: 0009-0003-3807-6529
Abstract
This paper analyzes the structural
determinants of women’s economic independence in North Macedonia and their
implications for employment and long-term growth. Using a mixed-methods approach, it integrates
national statistics (State Statistical Office Labour-Force
Surveys, 2021 Census, ILO and World Bank data) with original 2024 field research: 25 semi-structured interviews with
women from urban (Skopje, Bitola) and rural (Pelagonia,
Polog) regions, and a survey of 120 employed women
from textiles, agriculture, ICT, services, and public administration.
Quantitative analysis (descriptive trends and logistic regression) identifies
predictors of labour-force participation—education
level, marital status, and locality—while qualitative coding reveals structural
and sector-specific barriers such as unpaid care, limited childcare services,
transport constraints, and gender-segmented labour
markets.
Findings show female participation remains stagnant at 42–43 percent, with
persistent gender wage gaps and high inactivity linked to care
responsibilities. Emigration of skilled
women (health, ICT) and demographic ageing amplify labour
shortages. Rural women face compounded disadvantages in access to land,
finance, and mobility, though new opportunities emerge in remote work, social enterprises, and
green-economy initiatives. Existing frameworks—gender-responsive
budgeting, equal-opportunity laws, Youth Guarantee—remain unevenly implemented
outside major urban centres.
The study proposes an integrated reform
agenda: expanding affordable childcare and eldercare; enforcing equal-pay and
anti-discrimination measures; strengthening dual education and employer
partnerships; formalizing the household-care and service sectors; incentivizing
the return migration of skilled women; and embedding gender budgeting at the
local level. Promoting women’s labour participation
is not only a human rights and equality
imperative but also a macroeconomic
necessity, essential for mitigating demographic decline, boosting
productivity, and ensuring inclusive, sustainable growth in North Macedonia.
Keywords:
women’s economic independence; labour-force
participation; gender equality; mixed-methods research; structural barriers;
unpaid care work; childcare services.
Information
Asymmetry and Its Impact on Humanitarian Governance and Accountability in the
Rohingya Refugee Crisis Response in Bangladesh
Rakib
Hossain
PhD Fellow in
Economics, Khulna University, Email: ratonrakib@gmail.com
Khan Mehedi Hasan
Professor,
Economic Discipline, Khulna University, Email: khanmehedihasan@econ.ku.ac.bd
Mahmudun Nabi
.Research Director, Datascape
Research and Consultancy Limited. Email: mahmudsohelmahmud@yahoo.com
Abdulla Al Mamun
.Innovation and Insight Director, Datascape
Research and Consultancy Limited. Email: mamundh01@gmail.com
Abstract:
The Rohingya refugee
crisis in Bangladesh, is one of the most complex and long-lasting humanitarian
emergencies of the twenty first century forcefully migrated from Myanmar.
Despite extensive national and international interventions, major gaps persist
in humanitarian governance and accountability. This study investigates how
information asymmetry, the unequal access to and control over critical
information among stakeholders, shapes decision-making, resource allocation and
accountability within the response system.
This study builds on the
principle-agent theory and the information politics framework, the analysis
conceptualizes information asymmetry as both a structural and political
phenomenon influencing power relations among donors, implementing agencies, and
displaced populations. Using mixed methods approach, the study integrates 400
survey respondents across refugee and host communities for quantitative data
and KII (12), FGD (10) was conducted involving Rohingya refugees, humanitarian
staff and local officials in three camps of Cox’s Bazar.
Correlation and multiple
regression models applied to examine the relationship between information
access, perceived transparency, and accountability outcomes. Results reveal a
strong positive correlation between information access and trust in humanitarian
actors, and a significant regression effect indicating that higher information
accessibility substantially enhances perceived accountability and
participation. However, 64% of respondents report limited opportunities to
influence aid related decisions. Qualitative insights corroborate these
patterns, showing that centralized information control and hierarchical
decision making reinforce dependency, reduce feedback mechanisms, and exclude
marginalized voices.
The study concludes that
mitigating information asymmetry demands open data governance, community-led
communication platforms, and inclusive feedback mechanisms. By situating the
Rohingya case within the broader discourse on migration governance and humanitarian
accountability, this paper contributes empirically grounded insights for
strengthening transparency, equity, and adaptive humanitarian governance across
protracted displacement settings in the Global South.
Keywords:
Information Asymmetry, Humanitarian Governance, Accountability, Rohingya
Refugee Crisis, Forced Migration, Bangladesh.
Migratory
movements as an extra system load in a deeply-divided society: the history and
present of migration controversies in (North) Macedonia
Rilind Dauti
PhD candidate at the Faculty of
Contemporary Social Sciences, South East European University
Abstract
In any representative
democracy, many socio-economic issues become hot political topics, including
migration (both emigration and immigration, but especially the latter).
However, in a diverse country with deep societal cleavages where the most
mundane things can be politicized and given ethnic and/or religious
connotation, even migratory movements from the distant past can have important
implications for people’s present worldviews.
In the era of the
Macedonian Question in the turn of the 20th century, its ethnic
diversity was largely taken for granted. A small number of proposals for the
solution of the Macedonian Question did mention that “some have settled earlier
and some later”, but this was not taken as an argument that those that came later
should not be equal participants in the governance of a future Macedonian
polity. Either directly or tacitly, activists accepted the reality of
Macedonia’s diversity and its political implications, including the
participation in governance of Turks and Albanians.
However, migratory
movements in Macedonia are not entirely free of controversies. The main
research question that will be addressed is: to what extent have migratory
movements in and out of Macedonia have had political motivations and
repercussions?
Among others, this
includes people's movements in the era of the vast multiethnic Ottoman Empire,
the meticulously-planned colonization during Serb rule and its resistance by
VMRO, post-WWI population exchanges, movements in and out of Macedonia during socialist
Yugoslavia, the controversies during the nascent of political pluralism in the
1990s, and the lingering socio-political implications of such events for
post-2001 and modern-day North Macedonia.
Keywords:
Macedonia, migrations, autochthony, legitimacy
Perceptions of Linguistic Inequality: English,
Migration, and Access to Opportunity in North Macedonia
Rilind Mahmudi
1Mother Teresa University – Skopje, North Macedonia (rilind.mahmudi@unt.edu.mk)
Majlinda
Ismaili-Mahmudi
21Mother Teresa University – Skopje, North Macedonia (majlinda.ismaili@unt.edu.mk)
Abstract
This study
explores how English language students in North Macedonia perceive linguistic
inequality, especially in relation to migration and access to opportunities.
Students from Mother Teresa University in Skopje completed a questionnaire
examining their views on the role of English in education, work, and migration,
as well as the challenges migrants face when they have limited language skills.
A notable aspect is that certain students may have family members who migrated
abroad—sometimes legally, sometimes illegally—without knowing English or other
foreign languages. These personal experiences shaped students’ perspectives,
giving them a clear idea about real-life obstacles migrants encounter in
foreign countries. The findings show that students are aware that English can
open doors and create advantages, while a lack of language skills can be a
serious barrier for migrants. At the same time, they recognize that English is
essential for success in education and the workplace, which creates a dilemma between
understanding the inequalities it can cause and acknowledging its practical
necessity. Overall, the study highlights how language, social background, and
opportunity work together, influencing the perceptions of fairness and access.
The results suggest the importance of educational policies and practices that
make English more accessible and help migrants overcome language barriers,
contributing to a fairer and more inclusive society in North Macedonia.
Keywords: English language, linguistic inequality, migration, barriers,
inclusion.
Migrations and Collective
Memory in the Western Balkans
Rubin Zemon PhD
Center for Advanced Research, Skopje
Abstract
Migration has long been a defining feature of the Western
Balkans, shaping its demographic structures, cultural identities, and
collective memories across centuries. From the Ottoman-era population movements
to the labor migrations of socialist Yugoslavia and the mass displacements of
the 1990s wars, each wave of mobility has left enduring imprints on both
individual and collective consciousness.
This paper examines the relationship between migration and
collective memory in the Western Balkans, emphasizing the ways in which forced
displacement, exile, and diaspora experiences have influenced the region’s
post-conflict narratives and identity formations. By situating contemporary
emigration and diaspora activism within a longer historical continuum, the
study argues that migration in the Balkans functions not only as a
socioeconomic phenomenon but also as a crucial site of memory production.
Through an analysis
of memory politics, transnational connections, and the persistence of trauma
within migrant communities, the paper explores how mobility both disrupts and
reproduces collective identities, ultimately shaping the contested landscape of
remembrance and reconciliation in the region.
Keywords: migration, collective memory, Western Balkans, diaspora,
post-conflict identity, memory politics, reconciliation
Migrants and the
challenges of social workers in Albania in palliative care
Phd.
Sabina Belshaku
University
of Elbasan, Albania
Ass.prof. Fiona Todhri
University of Tirana, Albania
Abstract
Migration has become one of the most significant social
phenomena shaping contemporary Albanian society. The continuous movement of
people both emigration abroad and internal migration has profoundly affected
family structures, social cohesion, and access to essential services, including
palliative care. Pain assessments in palliative care
are appropriate and valid when based on standardized assessment instruments, the
main goal of palliative care is to relieve the patient's pain. This paper explores
the complex challenges faced by social workers who provide palliative care in
Albania within this context of high mobility and demographic change. The article presents the linguistic validation
in Albanian of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale Revised (ESAS-r), one of
the most used and recommended scales in palliative care. The study identifies
how migration leads to the fragmentation of family support networks, increases
the emotional and economic burden on caregivers, and limits the continuity of
care for patients with life-threatening illnesses.The
instrument provides general and sufficient data for seven main symptoms of
physical pain and three of psychosocial distress, on the reports of which
treatment plans for palliative patients can be built, at the individual or
group level. 56 patients (M = 75, SD = 12.1) of outpatient and residential
palliative care, at different stages of cancer disease, participated in the
study of the translation and cultural adaptation of the ESAS-r in Albanian. The
study evidenced that the ESAS-r is not only a simple instrument to administer,
but also understandable and patient-friendly during its completion. It is
believed that its routine use can facilitate the building of communication with
the patient in palliative care and the family, especially in the first
meetings. Social workers in palliative care are suggested to use the ESAS-r in
Albanian, offering specific recommendations for its administration. Social workers are
often required to fill the gaps left by the absence of family members, navigate
limited institutional resources, and advocate for more inclusive social and
health policies. The paper concludes that strengthening the role of social
workers in multidisciplinary palliative care teams, developing community-based
services, and improving training in culturally competent care are crucial steps
toward ensuring dignity and psychosocial support for terminally ill patients
and their families in a rapidly changing Albanian society.
Keywords: migration, palliative care, social work,
Albania, challenges, psychosocial support, Edmonton Symptom Assessment Revised (ESAS-r),
linguistic validation
Narrating
Displacement: Literature and Cultural Production as Reflections of the
Migration Experience
Mr.Sc.
Sevim Lutfiu
Abstract
Migration, as a
multidimensional social and cultural process, has profoundly reshaped artistic
and literary production across the globe. This paper investigates how
contemporary literature and cultural practices articulate, reinterpret, and
aestheticize the experience of migration. Focusing on narratives of
displacement, exile, and identity reconfiguration, the study examines the ways
in which writers and artists construct spaces of belonging and memory that
transcend geopolitical boundaries.
Grounded in postcolonial
and transnational literary theory, the research explores how literary texts,
visual art, and other forms of cultural production function as both testimony
and creative negotiation of mobility and marginality. By analyzing selected
works that portray the migrant condition, the paper reveals how aesthetic forms
become sites of resistance and self-representation, challenging hegemonic
discourses of nationhood, identity, and cultural purity.
Ultimately, the study
argues that literature and cultural production not only reflect the lived
realities of migration but also actively participate in reimagining notions of
home, identity, and community. In doing so, they transform displacement into a generative
force for new cultural imaginaries and hybrid identities.
Key
words: Literature, art, cultural purity, visual
art, identity.
Caring Across Borders: Psychological
and Social Support for Persons with Disabilities Left Behind by Migrant Parents
in Albania
Suela Ndoja
Association “Project Hope,” Albania
sundoprospe@gmail.com
Abstract
In recent years, Albania has witnessed a growing wave of parental migration,
driven by economic hardship, social instability, and the search for better
opportunities abroad. While migration often provides essential financial
relief, it also results in long-term family separation, which profoundly
affects children and young adults with disabilities. This vulnerable group is
frequently left in the care of extended family members, institutions, or
community organizations—raising critical concerns about their overall
wellbeing, development, and rights.
This paper explores the lived experiences of persons with disabilities supported by our association in Albania, whose parents have migrated abroad. Drawing on case studies and direct engagement with caregivers, educators, psychologist and social worker, the study investigates the multidimensional consequences of parental absence, including health, education, emotional wellbeing, psychological adjustment, and social inclusion. Particular attention is given to the psychological impact of separation—manifested through feelings of abandonment, anxiety, reduced self-esteem, and emotional detachment—which often exacerbate the challenges associated with disability and lead to increased vulnerability and isolation.
Furthermore, the paper highlights the vital role of community-based organizations in providing both social and psychosocial care, compensating for the absence of parental support. It advocates for a more coordinated, cross-sectoral response at national and regional levels, emphasizing the need for migration and social policies that recognize the intertwined psychological, social, and structural needs of families with members who have disabilities. Strengthening international cooperation is also crucial for creating sustainable transnational caregiving models.
By situating these Albanian experiences within the broader migration dynamics of Southeast Europe, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the intersection between disability, caregiving, migration, and mental health—urging policymakers and practitioners to address the often-overlooked psychological and social costs of migration-induced family separation.
Keywords: parental migration, disability, caregiving, psychological wellbeing, mental health, family separation, emotional development, community-based care, Albania, Southeast Europe, transnational families, social policy
From
Climate Crisis to Human Exploitation: Understanding the Nexus Between Climate
Migration and Human Trafficking in Bangladesh
Syeda Afroza Zerin (PhD)
Professor, Department of
Law, Uttara University
Niamur
Raquib
Lecturer, Department of
Law, Uttara University
Abstract
Climate-induced migration has become a
critical humanitarian and legal concern in the 21st century. Bangladesh, being
one of the most climate-vulnerable nations, faces increasing internal
displacement caused by recurring environmental disasters such as cyclones,
floods, sea-level rise, salinity intrusion, and riverbank erosion. These
climatic pressures not only disrupt livelihoods but also heighten the risk of
human trafficking, particularly among marginalized groups, including women and
children. This paper investigates the complex interrelationship between climate
migration and human trafficking within the Bangladeshi context. It further
analyzes the adequacy of existing legal, institutional, and policy mechanisms
in safeguarding environmentally displaced populations. Through a qualitative
approach incorporating legal analysis of relevant international instruments,
national laws, case studies, scholarly works, and media reports this study
exposes significant shortcomings in the legal recognition and protection of
climate migrants. It concludes with policy-oriented recommendations aimed at
strengthening national resilience, promoting social justice, and preventing
trafficking amid climate-induced displacement.
Keywords:
Climate induced Migration, Human Trafficking, Gender Equality, Climate Action,
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Do
EU Standards Shape Integration? Comparing Migrant Integration Policies in
Southeast Europe with MIPEX 2019–2025
Urime Demiri –
Shaipi, PhD
Mother Teresa University
Email: urime.demiri.shaipi@unt.edu.mk
Elisabeta Bajrami
Ollogu, PhD 1
Mother Teresa
University
Email: elisabeta.bajrami.ollogu@unt.edu.mk
Abstract
This paper compares migrant integration policies in Southeast Europe, focusing on non-EU countries—North Macedonia, Albania, and Serbia—and their EU member state neighbors, including Slovenia, Croatia, Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania. Using the Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX) for 2019–2025, the study evaluates policy development across eight areas: Labor Market Mobility, Family Reunification, Education, Political Participation, Long-term Residence, Access to Nationality, Anti-Discrimination, and Health. It addresses two research questions: (1) Do non-EU Southeast European countries have less developed integration policies than their EU neighbors? and (2) Does the absence of comprehensive integration frameworks necessarily limit integration outcomes or affect prospects for EU membership?
Results reveal a differentiated pattern. North Macedonia (42/100) and Albania (43/100) score below the strongest EU members, such as Slovenia and Romania (52/100), but are comparable to or above other EU countries, including Croatia (44/100) and Bulgaria (39/100). Serbia (50/100) surpasses several EU members, highlighting heterogeneity within both EU and non-EU groups. These findings suggest that EU membership alone does not determine integration policy quality; domestic institutional capacity, political priorities, and economic resources play crucial roles. Lower MIPEX scores do not automatically prevent integration or EU membership, though gaps in policy implementation may hinder migrants’ practical access to rights and services.
The study underscores that formal legal alignment does not guarantee effective integration, as non-EU countries like Serbia can outperform some EU states in specific policy dimensions. By highlighting the policy-practice gap in Southeast Europe, this research demonstrates the utility of MIPEX as an evidence-based evaluation tool. The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers aiming to enhance migrant integration, align national policies with EU human rights standards, and support both national development and potential EU accession.
Keywords:
Migrant Integration, MIPEX, Southeast Europe, EU Membership, North Macedonia
What
drives migration in North Macedonia? Evidence from the Life in Transition
Survey IV
Zana Beqiri Luma
Mother Teresa University – Skopje, Faculty
of Economics
Bukurie Imeri Jusufi
Mother Teresa University – Skopje, Faculty
of Economics
Rilind Ademi
Mother Teresa University – Skopje, Faculty
of Economics
Bujamin Bela
Mother Teresa University – Skopje, Faculty
of Economics
Abstract
Why are some individuals more willing to
emigrate than others? What determines actual migration patterns in North
Macedonia? Migration is one of the most important and complex challenges
policymakers have to address globally, both in countries of origin as well as
destination countries. In this paper we analyze a pressing issue for North
Macedonia, namely, the main factors that contribute to migration and the
intention to migrate. Using data from the nationally representative fourth
round of the Life in Transition Survey we provide evidence about the
most prevalent factors affecting the propensity to migrate. We consider
economic and political factors, socio-demographic factors, psychological as
well as personal values and attitudes regarding religiosity, democracy, environment
and (dis)trust in institutions in shaping the intention to migrate. Using both
descriptive and a logistic regression framework we assess the relative
importance of these factors. The findings of this study contribute to the
general policy debate on how best to tackle emigration, and the brain drain it
entails. We highlight and discuss the most important factors to consider when
designing policy interventions.
Keywords:
Migration, Survey data, migration drivers, intention to migrate
Transnational
Memory: Preserving and Transforming Cultural Heritage in the Work of Painter
Omer Kaleshi
Genta Mirzo
Mother Teresa University in Skopje
Egzona Aliu
Mother Teresa University in Skopje
Abstract
The work of painter Omer Kaleshi, an Albanian-born
artist who lived and created in exile, offers a compelling example of how art
can act as a living archive of transnational memory. His distinctive portraits
of anonymous figures embody the complex relationship between identity, memory,
and cultural heritage.
This paper employs visual and contextual analysis of
selected paintings to explore how Kaleshi preserves
elements of Albanian and Balkan traditions while transforming them into a
universal form of contemporary art. Through his visual language, he creates a
dialogic space between homeland and host culture, merging personal and
collective memory.
The study demonstrates that Kaleshi’s
art functions not only as an aesthetic expression but also as a medium for
sustaining cultural identity within the diaspora and as a vehicle for
intercultural dialogue. By situating Kaleshi’s oeuvre
within the broader discourse on migration and cultural memory, this paper
contributes to understanding how artistic practice preserves, reinterprets, and
transmits heritage across borders.
Keywords: Omer Kaleshi, art and
migration, transnational memory, cultural identity, diaspora
Remittances
and business cycles in North Macedonia: A reliable relationship?
Rilind
Ademi
Mother
Teresa University – Skopje
Kreshnik
Bekteshi
Independent researcher
Valon
Ramadani
Mother Teresa University – Skopje
Abstract
Workers' remittances are often argued to have a
tendency to move countercyclically with the GDP in recipient countries since
migrant workers are expected to remit and support more during downturn cycles
of economic activity back home. This paper aims to analyze the behavior of
remittances during the recent Covid-19 pandemic crisis, and the response they
gave during the downturn in business cycles during that period. In general, the
results tend to be country-specific and show that, for some migration and remittance
corridors, remittances are counter-cyclical while, for others, they are
pro-cyclical, and for this reason we will try to study the behavior of
remittances in North Macedonia in recent years with a focus on the recent
crisis, to see their procyclical or countercyclical nature.
Keywords: migration, remittances, procyclical, GDP.
JEL Classification: F240; F220;
An analytical
approach to the phenomenon of sport migration in North Macedonia and the
challenges of institutional management
Yllka Shabani
Mother
Teresa University - Skopje
Blerim
Saiti
Mother
Teresa University - Skopje
Sedat Baftiji
Mother
Teresa University - Skopje
Bejtulla Emini
Mother
Teresa University - Skopje
Abstract
This study examines the impact of
migration on the number and quality of athletes in North Macedonia, relying
primarily on secondary institutional data and contemporary scientific
literature. Through an analytical approach, the study identifies key trends in
sport migration, the economic and social factors contributing to the departure
of young talents, and the consequences for clubs, federations, and the national
sport system. The analysis indicates that the lack of modern infrastructure,
institutional support, and athlete incentives has encouraged emigration and the
outflow of talent toward countries offering better professional conditions.
Policies for managing sport migration in North Macedonia remain fragmented and
insufficiently focused on retaining and reintegrating talent, negatively
affecting the long-term development of national sport. The study highlights the
need for integrated strategies that link youth and sport policies with
migration management and promote stronger cooperation with the sport diaspora.
Keywords: sport migration,
institutional policy, North Macedonia, athletic talent, sport diaspora, local.