On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, an Italian navy ship carried eight migrants back to Albania as part of Italy’s controversial plan to process asylum seekers outside its borders. This effort comes after a previous group of migrants was returned to Italy following legal complications. The move is part of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s strategy to curb dangerous sea crossings by relocating asylum seekers to managed camps in Albania.
The first transfer of 16 migrants in October faced immediate challenges. A Rome court ruled that the migrants could not be detained in Albania due to concerns about their legal status, prompting their swift return to Italy. This decision was based on a European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling that declared a country could only be deemed safe if all its regions were free from danger. This ruling cast doubt on Italy’s ability to uphold its policy of sending migrants to non-EU countries.
The recent transfer of eight migrants suggests a more cautious approach by Italy as it works to address the legal barriers encountered in October. This group, rescued near the Italian island of Lampedusa, indicates that the government is testing the waters to avoid repeating past missteps. Unlike the first group, details about the nationalities of the new migrants were not disclosed, though there was speculation that they might be from Tunisia, considered more stable compared to other countries on Italy’s safe list.
In response to the legal challenges, the Meloni government strengthened the legal framework surrounding its “safe country” policy. By elevating the policy to an official act of law rather than a ministerial decree, the government aims to make it less susceptible to court challenges. This move shows Italy’s determination to implement its new migration strategy despite obstacles.
To support this plan, Italy has constructed two reception centers in Albania, located in Shengjin and Gjader. These facilities are staffed by Italian personnel and are designed to accommodate up to 3,000 migrants at a time, with an annual limit of 36,000. Under the agreement with Albania, only “non-vulnerable” men from designated safe countries will be sent to these centers for processing.
Meloni’s government believes that processing migrants in Albania will deter others from making the perilous journey across the Mediterranean Sea. The plan seeks to send a message that illegal crossings will not guarantee entry into Italy, shifting the perception of Europe as an easy destination for migrants. This initiative is seen as a bold move in Italy’s broader effort to manage migration flows and relieve pressure on its resources.
The reception centers in Albania mark the first instance of an EU nation processing asylum seekers in a non-EU country. This arrangement shows Italy’s focus on finding solutions that extend beyond its borders. Despite the ongoing legal and logistical challenges, Italy is determined to proceed with its strategy, setting a new precedent for how European countries handle migration.