Albania has reportedly declared two Albanian citizens from North Macedonia persona non grata over alleged activities considered hostile to the Albanian state, according to Report TV.
Sources cited by the broadcaster said the Ministry of Interior, following a proposal from the Directorate of Anti-Terrorism, placed imam Bekir Halimi and political analyst and former political activist Valon (Valjon) Belja on the list of individuals prohibited from entering Albania.
According to the reported decision, Albanian authorities concluded that the two individuals posed a potential security threat to the country and its citizens. The order, issued by Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari, was reportedly forwarded to the State Police and border authorities for implementation.
Halimi, an imam from North Macedonia, was expelled from the Islamic Religious Community of North Macedonia in 2016 following disputes with the institution’s leadership.
Belja, a political analyst and former political activist, is known for his commentary on political developments in the region. He previously served as chief of staff to North Macedonia’s health minister.
The reported bans follow a broader series of measures by Albanian authorities targeting individuals considered potential security or terrorism-related threats.
On June 25, Albania also declared Ikballe Huduti, a citizen of Kosovo, persona non grata. Authorities reportedly imposed a 15-year ban on her entry into Albania, citing alleged links to Iran’s clerical regime and public statements considered hostile to Albania’s constitutional order.
According to Shqiptarja.com, Huduti had also published photographs and videos from a protest held outside the Albanian Prime Minister’s Office in Tirana before the entry ban was imposed.
The latest reported decisions underscore Albania’s increased focus on screening foreign nationals whose activities authorities believe could pose security risks, particularly in cases involving alleged extremist, political or foreign-influence networks.
