Italy has initiated the deportation of migrants to Albania, marking a significant shift in its immigration policy under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government. The first transfer, executed by the military ship Libra, involved 16 migrants, predominantly from Bangladesh and Egypt, who were intercepted in international waters. This operation is part of a controversial agreement signed in late 2023, which aims to manage migration by establishing two centers in Albania for processing asylum applications.
The financial implications of this operation are considerable, with estimates indicating a cost of 18,000 euros per migrant for the initial transfer alone. The total expenditure for the agreement is projected to reach 160 million euros annually, raising concerns among opposition parties regarding the allocation of public funds and the potential violation of migrants' rights. Furthermore, the European Court of Justice has complicated matters by narrowing the list of 'safe' countries for deportations, which could limit the effectiveness of this new policy.
Critics of the plan, including opposition leaders and public administration unions, have raised alarms about the living conditions in the Albanian centers, describing them as inadequate and restrictive. The Italian government faces scrutiny over its approach to immigration, which some argue prioritizes financial expenditure over humanitarian considerations.
- The agreement with Albania is part of Italy's broader strategy to manage migration flows, which has also included similar arrangements with Tunisia and Libya. These efforts aim to curb the number of migrants reaching Italian shores by enhancing cooperation with countries from which many migrants originate. The Italian government has emphasized its commitment to addressing immigration while maintaining national security and public order.
- As Italy prepares for an upcoming European summit, discussions are expected to focus on the establishment of 'return hubs' for illegal migrants, a concept supported by both Italy and Hungary. This initiative reflects a growing trend among EU member states to externalize border control and migration management, often at the expense of migrants' rights and welfare.
