Socialist MP calls on Greece to release list of Albanians banned from entry

Socialist Party MP Ardit Bido has formally requested the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Greek Embassy in Tirana to publish the list of Albanian citizens banned from entering Greek territory, along with the legal justifications behind those decisions.

Why is this important: The move comes in response to growing concern over transparency, particularly after investigative journalists Marin Mema and Artan Hoxha were recently declared persona non grata by Greek authorities. Bido argues that the lack of official information has caused confusion and insecurity among Albanians who regularly travel to Greece for work, family visits, or other lawful reasons.

Official request: In a formal letter sent to Athens and the Greek Embassy in Tirana, Bido called for either the publication of the full list of banned individuals or at least statistical data on the scope and grounds for such bans.

“Albanian citizens deserve transparency, clarity, and fair treatment in any procedure related to their freedom of movement,” the MP said in a public statement. “This issue has caused concern for years and it’s time for official clarification.”

The letter addressed to Greek authorities includes two main requests:

• Disclosure of the list of banned Albanian citizens, with legal grounds; or
• If names cannot be disclosed, at least the number of cases, the categories of legal reasons, and the procedures used for entry bans.

Background: Bido’s intervention comes amid heightened public debate over cross-border bans following Greece’s move to bar journalist Artan Hoxha, citing him as a “threat to public order and internal security.” Similar restrictions were previously placed on Marin Mema, known for his reporting on sensitive national topics.

What’s next: Bido stressed that transparency on this issue would strengthen trust between citizens and institutions, prevent misunderstandings, and serve the broader goal of maintaining good bilateral relations between Albania and Greece.