The court's ruling highlights the growing tension between Italy's government and the judiciary regarding immigration policy, particularly in light of recent EU rulings that restrict the classification of safe countries for migrants.
This incident underscores the challenges faced by European nations in balancing national policies on immigration and compliance with international human rights standards.
The Italian government may attempt to appeal the court's decision, but continued legal challenges could hinder the implementation of its migration strategy in Albania.
The ruling could prompt a reevaluation of the Albanian model for managing migration, potentially leading to further negotiations with EU partners regarding asylum policies.
On October 18, 2024, a Roman court halted the first deportations to Italy's newly established migrant detention centers in Albania, ruling that the countries of origin for the twelve migrants—Egypt and Bangladesh—are not deemed safe. This decision has significant implications for the Italian government's controversial plan to manage migration through internment camps located outside EU territory.
The court's ruling stated that the detention of these migrants could not be validated due to the lack of safety in their home countries, which is a prerequisite for the accelerated processing procedures intended by the Italian government. As a result, the twelve men are to be returned to Italy, where they will have the opportunity to appeal their asylum application decisions within a 14-day timeframe.
The Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, aims to intern up to 36,000 migrants annually in these Albanian camps, which have been criticized as an expensive and ineffective solution to Italy's migration challenges. The operation of these camps, described by critics as 'Italian Guantánamo,' is estimated to cost around 800 million euros over five years, raising questions about its financial viability and human rights implications.
The ruling comes amid a broader political context where the right-wing coalition, particularly Meloni's Brothers of Italy party, has faced backlash from opposition parties and human rights organizations. Critics argue that this plan externalizes Italy's migration issues and undermines the rights of asylum seekers. Additionally, the decision coincides with ongoing legal troubles for Matteo Salvini, a key figure in the coalition, who is facing trial over his previous handling of migrant rescues at sea.
