Italy's Interior Ministry has resumed its program of sending asylum seekers to Albania, despite past legal roadblocks and ongoing controversies.
Italy Resumes Controversial Migrant Shipments to Albania Amid Legal Challenges
Italy Resumes Controversial Migrant Shipments to Albania Amid Legal Challenges
Rome revives plans for transferring asylum seekers, raising concerns from rights activists and opposition parties.
In a significant move, Italy has restarted its contentious program of shipping asylum seekers to Albania, as confirmed by the Italian Interior Ministry on Sunday. The transfer of 49 individuals was undertaken by the Italian Navy, aimed at centers specifically built in Albania for this purpose. This initiative comes after previous attempts were halted by judicial rulings, which had deemed the initial migrant transfers illegal.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has championed this policy as part of her administration's strategy to combat illegal immigration. She argues that holding new asylum seekers in third countries for processing is a proactive method to deter dangerous crossings of the Mediterranean Sea. This renewed effort follows the government’s decision to circumvent previous court rulings that declared the initial 12 migrants sent to Albania in October as unqualified for the program, based on concerns regarding the safety of their home countries, Bangladesh and Egypt.
To address these legal hurdles, Meloni's government has been working to establish a revised list of countries deemed "safe," although the Interior Ministry has not disclosed where the most recent migrants originate. The program has drawn sharp criticism from various human rights organizations and opposition figures in Italy, who argue that it is both inhumane and financially burdensome. However, some European politicians are beginning to view Italy’s approach as a potential framework for addressing migration issues in the region, particularly as anti-immigrant sentiment grows.
With a backdrop of rising tensions between the government and the Italian judiciary, who are seeking guidance from the European Court of Justice regarding what defines a safe country, the future of this initiative remains uncertain. The court's landmark decision is expected next month. Meanwhile, the matter of which migrants can be sent to Albania is now being evaluated by a court of appeals in Rome.
Despite the risks and criticisms, Meloni has expressed unwavering determination to implement her vision, stating at a recent party event, "Trust me, the centers in Albania will work, even if I will have to spend every night on the case, from now to the end of this Italian government.”
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has championed this policy as part of her administration's strategy to combat illegal immigration. She argues that holding new asylum seekers in third countries for processing is a proactive method to deter dangerous crossings of the Mediterranean Sea. This renewed effort follows the government’s decision to circumvent previous court rulings that declared the initial 12 migrants sent to Albania in October as unqualified for the program, based on concerns regarding the safety of their home countries, Bangladesh and Egypt.
To address these legal hurdles, Meloni's government has been working to establish a revised list of countries deemed "safe," although the Interior Ministry has not disclosed where the most recent migrants originate. The program has drawn sharp criticism from various human rights organizations and opposition figures in Italy, who argue that it is both inhumane and financially burdensome. However, some European politicians are beginning to view Italy’s approach as a potential framework for addressing migration issues in the region, particularly as anti-immigrant sentiment grows.
With a backdrop of rising tensions between the government and the Italian judiciary, who are seeking guidance from the European Court of Justice regarding what defines a safe country, the future of this initiative remains uncertain. The court's landmark decision is expected next month. Meanwhile, the matter of which migrants can be sent to Albania is now being evaluated by a court of appeals in Rome.
Despite the risks and criticisms, Meloni has expressed unwavering determination to implement her vision, stating at a recent party event, "Trust me, the centers in Albania will work, even if I will have to spend every night on the case, from now to the end of this Italian government.”
