Former Afghan Official, Reaching Albania – ‘At Least We’re Alive’

"But we finally got here and now I feel happy and optimistic about our short stay here, until we get to the United States," he added.

Wearing jeans and a white shirt, Ahmad says he spent his whole life with the conflict in Afghanistan, but did not think about leaving and was happy with his job.

But when everything collapsed and the city was taken over by the Taliban, he says he had no choice but to leave the rest of the family, and Afghanistan, behind.

Since Friday last week, hundreds of Afghan refugees, allies of the United States and NATO member states, have arrived in Albania. They are being hosted in the port city of Durres and the Student City in Tirana.

On Saturday a security perimeter prevented entry to the buildings, except for the security staff and staff managing the situation. However, the refugees move freely around the streets of Student City in groups, as they go to check in at the police station or are escorted to the canteen.

Most of them greet politely, while one puts his hand on his heart. Others ask not to be identified and photographed, worried about family members they have left behind at home.

From BIRN's communications with some of them, those who arrived on the second night were government employees and members of civil society, along with their families and children.

Grateful for Albania's hospitality, they look forward to heading to their final destination in the United States as soon as possible.

'Kabul has fallen, go home'

Afghan evacuees arrive at the national airport in Tirana. Photo: EPA-EFE/MaltonDibra

Many of the Afghans sheltering in Albania are still shocked by the rapid collapse of the former government and their efforts to build a democratic state in...