Success Story: Legal Protection of Rights of a Foreign Citizen against Removal Order (Expuls)

Italian citizen A.R, self-employed and resident in Albania since 2016, had applied regularly for residence permits according to law no. 108/2013 “On foreigners”, respecting all provided procedures. Until 2020, he had received several temporary residence permits, while in 2021 he submitted a request for renewal with the aim of obtaining a permanent residence permit.

But, on 23.02.2021, unexpectedly, he was refused renewal of the residence permit and simultaneously communicated the Removal Order (Expuls) from Albania, which included a ban on entering Albanian territory until 22.02.2026.

Our client, with the suggestion of our lawyer for immigration issues Mr. Kastriot Frashëri, administratively appealed the removal order, but the answer received from the Department of Border and Migration confirmed that the decision was taken “in accordance with the law”.

Left without a solution via administrative route, A.R., thanks to the lawyer, turned to the Administrative Court of First Instance Tirana.

At this stage, he requested the help of lawyer Kastriot Frashëri, who prepared a well-structured and legally argued appeal, based on:

• Law no. 108/2013 “On foreigners”
• Law no. 49/2012 “On organization and functioning of administrative courts and administrative disputes”

The purpose of administrative appeal was repeal of the Removal Order (Expuls) from Albania.

The case is a clear example where professional help of a lawyer profiled in immigration issues can make the difference amongst other lawyers between an unjust deportation (Expuls) and protection of legal rights of a foreign citizen in Albania.