In a significant step toward tightening its migration policy, Italy on Friday transferred 40 rejected asylum seekers to a government-run detention center in Albania, where they will remain until they are repatriated to their countries of origin. The Italian government has not disclosed the nationalities or identities of the migrants. Full story at LiveWorldUpdates.com
The migrants departed from the Italian port city of Brindisi and arrived hours later at Shengjin, a port located around 65 kilometers northeast of Albania’s capital, Tirana. From there, under tight security, they were escorted by buses and minivans to a holding center in Shengjin managed by Italian authorities. They are expected to be relocated soon to a second facility in the nearby town of Gjader, also under Italian control.
Duration of Detention Unclear
It remains uncertain how long the migrants will be held in Albania. Italian law allows for the detention of rejected asylum seekers for up to 18 months. The facilities in Shengjin and Gjader were initially intended to process asylum applications from individuals intercepted in the Mediterranean Sea. However, due to legal hurdles, Italian courts had previously blocked efforts to fully implement this offshore processing plan. Most migrants previously sent to Albania were eventually returned to Italy.
Hardline Migration Policy
The move reflects the Italian government’s ongoing efforts to discourage irregular migration. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing administration approved a decree last month that officially designates Albania as a transit site for individuals whose asylum applications have been rejected. The agreement aims to deter future asylum seekers from attempting dangerous sea crossings.
Despite political support from both Rome and Tirana, the plan has faced strong criticism from human rights groups and legal experts, who argue that it could violate international obligations regarding refugee protection.
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