Italy has initiated the transfer of the first group of migrants to Albania, as part of a controversial plan to process numerous asylum-seekers outside its borders. The Italian Interior Ministry confirmed the departure of a naval ship from the island of Lampedusa carrying 16 men – 10 from Bangladesh and six from Egypt – who were rescued at sea after departing from Libya. The ship is expected to reach Albania on Wednesday morning, according to a ministry spokesperson.
This move comes after Premier Giorgia Meloni’s far-right government recently opened two centers in Albania for the processing of male migrants intercepted in international waters while attempting to cross to Europe. Initially, these centers can house up to 400 migrants, with plans to increase capacity to 880 in the coming weeks, as per Italian officials. Notably, women, children, elderly individuals, and those who are unwell or victims of torture will continue to be accommodated in Italy, with families not facing separation.
The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen lauded this five-year agreement last year as a unique approach to addressing migration-related challenges. However, human rights groups have raised concerns, warning that such a move could establish a dangerous precedent. In response, the UN refugee agency has deployed a team aboard the ship to monitor the screening process independently, ensuring the rights and dignity of individuals subject to it.
Under the agreement signed last year, Albania is tasked with accommodating up to 3,000 male migrants, while Italy expedites their asylum applications. Despite this arrangement, migrants will retain their right under international and EU law to apply for asylum in Italy and have their claims processed there. The operation of these centers will cost Italy 670 million euros ($730 million) over five years, with the facilities being managed by Italy and falling under Italian jurisdiction, although external security will be overseen by Albanian guards.
Giorgia Meloni and her right-wing allies have persistently pushed for more equitable burden-sharing among European countries when it comes to migration issues. The situation is evolving, and all eyes are on how this precedent-setting decision will impact future migration policies and collaborations within the region.
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