Italy’s government has dismissed claims that it plans to shut down migrant processing centers in Albania, following reports that staff members have been laid off. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi clarified on Thursday that there is no intention to remove workers from the facilities, despite a report from La Repubblica stating that the company managing the centers has begun terminating employees.
The migrant centers, located in Shengjin and Gjader, were established under a protocol between Italy and Albania to expedite asylum applications. However, the project has faced significant legal roadblocks, with Italian courts refusing to validate the detention of the first three groups of migrants sent there in October, November, and January. As a result, the facilities currently remain empty.
The decision to detain migrants in Albania under the controversial policy was halted pending a ruling from the European Court of Justice, expected later this month. La Repubblica reported that dismissal letters cited “contradictory judicial pronouncements” that do not align with Italy’s Supreme Court of Cassation rulings as the reason for job cuts.
Despite these setbacks, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government remains firm in its commitment to making the Albanian centers operational. Officials are now exploring ways to navigate the legal challenges and ensure the facilities fulfill their intended role in managing migration.