An Italian navy ship recently arrived at the Albanian port of Shengjin with eight migrants who were intercepted in international waters. This marks the second transfer of migrants since the establishment of two migrant processing centers in October. The migrants, originating from Bangladesh and Egypt, were brought to Albania for processing. Notably, four individuals were deemed minors or had health issues and were subsequently taken to Italy.
The naval ship Libra, capable of carrying 200 individuals besides crew members, departed from Italy's Lampedusa island with the eight male adults on board. These migrants met Albania's screening criteria, which includes hailing from countries considered 'safe' for repatriation.
Italy has seen a 60% decrease in migrant arrivals along the central Mediterranean migration route in 2024 compared to the previous year. As of November 7, 57,767 migrants have arrived in Italy by sea this year. A recent court ruling in Rome has narrowed down the list of 'safe' countries, allowing for a fast-track repatriation process for migrants from these nations.
Italy's government, led by Premier Giorgia Meloni, has been working to overcome legal obstacles that could jeopardize a migration deal with Albania signed in 2023. Under this agreement, up to 3,000 migrants intercepted by the Italian coast guard monthly will be housed in Albania for vetting. Those granted asylum will be welcomed in Italy, while others face deportation from Albania.
The outsourcing of asylum-seeker housing to Albania has sparked mixed reactions. While some countries view it as a potential solution to high migrant arrivals, human rights groups and NGOs have criticized the agreement as conflicting with international laws.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen refrained from commenting on the agreement during her visit to Albania, stating that it is under close observation. The evolving situation in the Mediterranean continues to draw attention and scrutiny from various stakeholders.
