Italy's Historic Transfer of Migrants to Albania
In a landmark move, Italy has transferred its first group of migrants to Albania, marking a significant step in the European Union's approach to handling migration. On Monday, the Italian Navy ship Libra set sail from Lampedusa, carrying 16 migrants, including 10 Bangladeshis and 6 Egyptians, to centers operated under Italian jurisdiction in Albania. This transfer is part of a controversial agreement signed between Italy and Albania in late 2023, which aims to establish two migrant processing centers in the Balkan country.
The Controversial Agreement
The agreement, which is set to last for five years and costs Italy approximately €160 million annually, allows for the interception of adult male migrants by the Italian navy in international waters. After an initial assessment on the Navy ship, migrants are sent to a center in Shengjin for identification, followed by a second facility in Gjader. Here, they will be held under administrative detention while their asylum applications are processed. Vulnerable individuals, including minors and women, are exempt from this procedure, ensuring that their rights are protected.
Living Conditions and Political Reactions
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi has described the centers as offering
light detention,
- The processing of asylum applications can take up to four weeks, with more than 300 Italian personnel involved in the operation, including soldiers and medical staff. However, concerns have been raised about the living conditions in these centers, with reports of limited access to water, electricity, and communication facilities. The public administration union UILPA has criticized these conditions, highlighting the challenges faced by migrants during their stay. Political opposition to the agreement has also surfaced, with Elly Schlein, the leader of the Democratic Party, accusing the Meloni government of mismanaging funds that could be better spent on protecting fundamental rights. This transfer to Albania is part of a broader strategy by the Italian government to manage migration flows, which includes agreements with Tunisia and Libya aimed at curbing migrant departures from these countries. As discussions continue at the European level regarding the establishment of return hubs for illegal migrants, the situation in Albania will be closely monitored, both by human rights organizations and by European leaders seeking to address the complexities of migration in the region.
