Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recently emphasized her government’s new approach to addressing the pressing issue of illegal immigration, calling it a model that other EU countries should consider. This initiative involves relocating migrants to a newly established reception center in Albania, a move that aims to tackle the immigration challenge faced by multiple nations within the European Union.
According to a report by the Associated Press, on October 16, an Italian Navy ship docked at Shengjin, Albania, bringing the first group of 16 unauthorized migrants to the new center. This group, which consists of 10 Bangladeshi and 6 Egyptian nationals, were intercepted in international waters after departing from Libya. This event marks the implementation of an agreement between Italy and Albania designed to manage the influx of migrants attempting to reach Italy.
Last year, Albania and Italy signed a five-year agreement that involves Italy financing the construction of reception centers in Albania. These facilities are intended to temporarily house unauthorized migrants as they await asylum processing after attempting to enter Italy.
The two reception centers are expected to cost Italy 670 million euros during the agreement’s duration. The Italian government will operate these facilities, while Albania is responsible for external security.
Despite the delay of several months in opening the two centers, they were completed last week and are expected to accommodate thousands of migrants, although only adult males are eligible for placement. Vulnerable groups—including women, children, the elderly, the sick, and abuse survivors—will remain in Italian shelters.
Statistics from the Italian Interior Ministry reveal a significant reduction in the number of migrants arriving by sea this year, with 54,129 recorded by October 16, down from 138,947 during the same period last year, a decrease of 61%.
This new policy has drawn criticism from numerous human rights organizations. For instance, the rescue group “Sea Watch” has likened the facilities constructed abroad by the Italian government to “concentration camps,” while accusing the Italian Coast Guard of engaging in “human trafficking.” In response, Meloni harshly criticized the assertion, labeling Sea Watch’s claims as “shameful.”
However, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen backed the agreement last December, describing it as an example of “thinking outside the box” in dealing with immigration issues.
The topic of immigration is anticipated to be a focal point at the upcoming EU Council summit on October 17-18 in Brussels, drawing considerable attention from leaders across member states.
