Italy’s government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is preparing to implement a new crackdown on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) involved in migrant rescue operations at sea. The proposed legislation aims to impose fines of up to €10,000 for organizations that violate new regulations. This initiative is part of the Meloni administration’s broader strategy to adopt a hardline stance on migrant arrivals, particularly those attempting to reach Italy by boat.
The Meloni government has taken significant measures to limit migrant inflows, including negotiating agreements with various African nations to prevent departures and enforcing automatic detention for irregular migrants. This approach has made it increasingly challenging for humanitarian organizations to conduct rescue missions. The new rules will restrict the number of rescues these organizations can perform, requiring them to take longer routes and leading to the impounding of their vessels in Italian ports.
As outlined in the proposed legislation, any search-and-rescue aircraft departing from or landing in Italy will be required to notify authorities immediately of any emergencies and comply with their directives. Noncompliance could result in substantial penalties, including the potential seizure or confiscation of the aircraft. Earlier this year, planes operating near shipping routes were banned from using nearby airports to further complicate rescue efforts.
One recent incident that highlights these challenges involved the Geo Barents vessel operated by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), which was impounded in Genoa after rescuing over 200 migrants. Such actions reflect the government’s ongoing commitment to restricting rescue operations by humanitarian groups, which they believe contributes to the reduction of irregular migrant crossings.
Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party has claimed a degree of success in decreasing the number of irregular migrant arrivals, citing a reported decline of more than 60 percent in individuals reaching Italian shores. This drop has garnered attention from other European leaders concerned about managing immigration effectively.
However, humanitarian organizations, including MSF, Oxfam Italia, and SOS Humanity, have expressed serious concerns about these developments. They accuse the Italian government of systematically obstructing civilian search and rescue operations, which they argue has resulted in unnecessary loss of life at sea. These groups have appealed to the European Commission to investigate whether Italy’s policies align with EU and international law.
The upcoming legislation is set to be approved next week, signaling a continued commitment by the Meloni administration to tighten controls over migrant rescue efforts. As these policies take shape, the implications for humanitarian aid and the safety of migrants at sea remain a significant point of contention in Italy and across Europe.