Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has pledged to use “every tool at our disposal” to secure the country’s borders after her government approved a bill allowing naval blockades during periods of high migrant arrivals.
The legislation, which must still pass both houses of parliament, would give Italian authorities the power to block boats from entering territorial waters for up to 30 days. The measure could be extended for up to six months in cases described as serious threats to public order or national security, including terrorism or sudden spikes in arrivals.
The move marks the latest step in Meloni’s crackdown on irregular migration. Since taking office, her government has introduced stricter rules for charity rescue ships, increased prison terms for people smugglers, and expanded repatriation agreements with countries in North Africa.
Under the proposed law, boats that violate a blockade could face fines of up to €50,000. Repeat breaches could lead to vessel confiscation — a provision widely seen as targeting NGO rescue ships operating in the Mediterranean. Migrants on board intercepted vessels could be sent to countries other than their homeland, provided Italy has repatriation agreements with them.
The bill follows reports that hundreds of migrants are feared to have died during a recent Mediterranean storm while attempting to reach Europe from North Africa.
In a video message shared on social media, Meloni said the legislation would also speed up deportations for migrants convicted of crimes and expand the list of offenses that could lead to expulsion. These include assaulting a police officer, slavery-related crimes, and domestic violence.
“If you want to live here, you need to respect Italian laws,” Meloni said.
According to Italy’s interior ministry, 66,296 migrants arrived by boat in 2025. While slightly lower than the previous year, the figure remains significant. Arrivals were much higher in 2023, before Italy strengthened cooperation agreements with Libya and Tunisia aimed at reducing departures.
The new law comes as the European Parliament recently approved changes to EU asylum rules, reflecting growing political pressure across Europe for stricter migration policies.
Meloni defended the measures by saying that determined action can reduce irregular migration. She said her government remains committed to protecting national security and controlling Italy’s borders amid continued migration pressures in the Mediterranean region.