Some argue that the refugees pouring into their ethnic cousins' country are a godsend. The humanitarian aid and attention that follows the refugee influx could offer the promise of stability and economic growth. But, if international interest and aid is not sustained, more than the tent cities or refugee camps will collapse. According to agency workers we spoke with, Albania is stretched beyond capacity. One sixth of the refugees are sheltered into the homes of ordinary Albanians.
Refugees total a third of the capital city Tirana's population.
Within the city are densely packed refugee camps and apartments. Now Tirana has more people walking around desperate for something to do. We were able to visit some refugee camps. Several thousand refugees are crammed into the sports complex or Pool 1 and Pool 2 camps. None of them want to be there.