A growing number of migrants and refugees are turning to Albania A growing number of migrants from the Middle East are seeking asylum in Albania, a phenomenon unseen so far in the small and poor Balkan country known more for its massive emigration. Hundreds of thousands of migrants fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East, Asia and Africa arrived in Europe in 2015 and 2016 using the so-called Balkans route. The route was closed in March 2016 but people, seeking alternative ways, still cross the region to reach the EU although in smaller numbers. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES