The government is promoting another expansion of public services in digital format, this time in diplomacy and consulates. Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha has announced the creation of what he calls a Virtual Diplomatic Presence, an online point for information and services in countries where Albania does not have a physical representation.
Hoxha presents the project as an expansion of access
In a video message published on social media, Hoxha presented consular service as a “success story,” linked, according to him, not only to technology, but also to the quality and speed of service.
According to the minister’s version, the goal is to simplify procedures and bring them closer to citizens, in a formula that the administration has often used as a slogan for the digitalization of public services.
Figures published by the Foreign Ministry
According to Hoxha, during the 2017–2026 period, 1 million 378 thousand consular services were administered.
He also stated that from 2019 to June 2026, 4 million 300 thousand legalizations were administered, as well as more than 203 thousand e-Visa applications since 2021.
Virtual assistant and QR code for service evaluation
The minister announced that work is under way on a Virtual Assistant, which, according to him, will operate without fixed hours and will answer citizens’ questions at any time, directing them to the relevant service.
Likewise, a QR code is expected to be placed in every consular service for service evaluation and for submitting complaints. According to the minister, this will serve to measure how the service is being provided and where improvements need to be made.
Diplomatic presence without a physical office
The central part of the announcement was the creation of the Virtual Diplomatic Presence, envisioned as a single digital point for information and consular services.
According to Hoxha, this will be used especially in countries where Albania does not have a physical representation, aiming to cover the gaps in the diplomatic network with online access.
What services are currently offered online
Irida Laçi, Director of Consular Affairs at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, said that 32 services in total are currently offered online.
Of these, 22 do not necessarily require physical presence, while in cases where the nature of the service allows it, the document can also be sent by post.
The announcement comes at a time when the government is strongly pushing the narrative of digitalization as a solution for access to services, while the real test remains how functional, verifiable, and usable these mechanisms will be for citizens abroad.
For now, the Foreign Ministry has presented the new direction and the figures supporting it, but not a detailed deadline for the full rollout of the Virtual Diplomatic Presence.