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The TikTok exodus: how an Albanian town was emptied

TikTok videos urging Albanians to move to Britain have led to a spike in emigration from Albania. Many resort to paying smugglers for the dangerous sea crossing.

1 min read
  • TikTok videos urging Albanians to move to Britain have led to a spike in emigration from Albania.
  • Albanians are enticed by the illusion of a better life in Britain portrayed in TikTok videos.
  • Many Albanians resort to paying smugglers to make the dangerous sea crossing to Britain.
  • The longing to be in Britain is partly stoked by TikTok posts showcasing influencers' luxurious lifestyles.
  • The cannabis industry in Britain has also become a recruitment tool for Albanian migrants.
The TikTok exodus: how an Albanian town was emptied
Bling-filled videos of life in Britain have spurred thousands of Albanians to leave. But some posts have an ulterior motive | 1843 magazine
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