Italy has restarted its policy of transferring migrants to Albania, a decision that has sparked legal and humanitarian concerns. This move is part of Italy’s strategy to manage migration across the Mediterranean but has faced opposition from courts and human rights groups.
Recently, Italy’s navy transported 49 migrants to Albania, marking the return of this controversial initiative. The plan, initially agreed upon in late 2023, allows Italy to send asylum seekers to newly built reception centers in Albania, where their applications are processed outside the European Union. The centers are expected to handle up to 36,000 applications annually.
However, legal challenges have disrupted the implementation of this policy. Italian courts previously halted migrant transfers, questioning the legality of their detention in Albania. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has also ruled that no country can be deemed entirely safe for deportations if any part of it poses risks to migrants. This ruling complicates Italy’s ability to classify Albania as a secure destination.
Despite these concerns, the Italian government is pushing forward. The latest transfer involved the navy vessel Cassiopea, which transported 49 migrants. Meanwhile, another group of 53 migrants who presented passports remained in Italy for further verification. This suggests Italy is adjusting its approach to work around legal barriers while maintaining its migration strategy.
Human rights groups have strongly criticized the agreement, arguing that it undermines asylum rights and could lead to unlawful detentions. Organizations like Civil Rights Defenders warn that the selective nature of the policy, which applies only to migrants from 21 specific countries, could lead to discrimination.
The European Court of Justice is expected to review the plan in the coming weeks. Its ruling could significantly impact Italy’s migration policy and influence how other European nations handle similar issues. As the situation unfolds, the future of Italy’s migrant transfer strategy remains uncertain.