An Italian navy ship recently arrived at the Albanian port of Shengjin, carrying the first group of 16 migrants rescued in international waters for processing. The migrants, consisting of 10 individuals from Bangladesh and six from Egypt, were intercepted at sea after departing from Libya. Italy has established two centers in Albania to process asylum-seekers, with the centers exclusively accommodating adult men while vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly, and those with health issues or victims of torture will be housed in Italy without separating families.
The centers, initially delayed due to soil consolidation, are now operational. The Gjader center, with a capacity for 3,000 migrants, will start with 400 occupants and gradually increase to 880. The number of migrants arriving in Italy via the central Mediterranean route has decreased by 61% in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Under a five-year agreement signed between Italy and Albania, up to 3,000 migrants rescued by the Italian coast guard monthly will be sheltered in Albania. The facilities, costing Italy 670 million euros over five years, are managed by Italy but located in Albania, with Albanian guards providing external security.
Migrants in Albania retain the right to apply for asylum in Italy under international and EU law, with a maximum processing time of 28 days. Those granted asylum will be welcomed in Italy, while rejected applicants face deportation from Albania. The agreement, praised by some EU countries facing high migrant arrivals, has been criticized by human rights groups as setting a concerning precedent.
Albania's Prime Minister emphasized that no other country will have similar centers in Albania, citing gratitude for past support from Italy. The agreement is seen as an innovative solution by Italian officials and their allies to address the long-standing migration challenges in the EU.
