The Italian government is gearing up to launch two migrant processing centers in Albania in October. These centers will process men rescued at sea en route to Italy for asylum. The move is aimed at combating human trafficking and ensuring that only those with a genuine right to enter the European Union are allowed in.
Despite facing criticism from human rights groups, Italy and Albania are moving forward with their plans, as the recent ruling by the European Court of Justice is non-binding. The centers, located in Shengjin and Gjader, were initially set to open in May but have faced delays due to various reasons.
Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi confirmed that the centers are now scheduled to open in October. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has been invited to monitor the centers once operational.
Italy's anti-immigration stance, supported by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, continues to be a focal point. The decrease in seaborne migration to Italy and Malta has led to an increase in migrants attempting to reach Greece and Spain.
The Italy-Albania agreement has drawn mixed reactions, with Amnesty International calling it 'shameful.' The centers will house up to 3,800 adult men at a time and guide them through the asylum application process. Those who do not qualify for asylum will be deported to safe countries.
The agreement also outlines specific protocols for Italian personnel stationed at the centers, emphasizing cultural sensitivity and respectful behavior towards locals.
Italy's investment in the centers, totaling millions of euros, aims to streamline the asylum process and enhance security measures. The centers will prioritize migrants from designated 'safe countries,' with plans to transfer those from other nations to Italy for processing.
The policy of offshoring asylum seekers has faced criticism from human rights groups, citing concerns about violations of migrants' rights and illegitimate detention practices.
As Europe grapples with the ongoing migrant crisis, Italy's efforts to manage sea migration and asylum applications are being closely monitored. The Italy-Albania agreement represents a step towards addressing irregular migration and creating a more efficient asylum system.
