Italy, the country that sees the highest number of migrant arrivals in the EU, is now sharing the responsibility by opening the first of two planned camps in Albania.
The facilities will accommodate a maximum of 3000 migrants each month who have been rescued while traveling to Italy, as Europe deals with how to address the issue of irregular migration through its inaugural “offshoring” program.
Today marks the opening of the camp situated in the northern Albanian port of Shengjin. The start of a second center in Gjader, a former air force base nearby, has been postponed.
The Italian government will have full control over the management of the buildings, for which they funded the construction.
They will be utilized for migrants rescued in the open sea – except for women, children, or individuals considered at risk.
Once they arrive, they will have the opportunity to seek asylum in Italy. If they are rejected, they will be returned to countries considered safe for them to go back to.
“I was informed by Fabrizio Bucci, Italy’s ambassador in Albania, that these centers will adhere to Italian and European laws.” “It’s similar to having a hub in Italy, only it’s in Albania.”
The pact agreed upon by the Prime Ministers of Italy and Albania will be effective for a period of five years, but may be extended if it successfully reduces the influx of migrants to Italy and discourages others from trying to enter.
Approximately 31,000 arrivals by sea have been recorded in Italy this year, which is a reduction of over 50% compared to the same period in 2023.
The Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, campaigned on a tough migration stance and the Albania strategy has become a crucial aspect of that.
The high cost, said to be over €650m (£547), has been criticized by Italian opposition politicians and human rights groups.
Riccardo Magi, a member of the left-wing +Europa party, stated that detaining a small number of migrants is too expensive.
When Ms Meloni recently went to the location in Albania, he came near her vehicle to demonstrate – and got taken hold of by Albanian security officers. When she stepped in and advised them to calm down, he exclaimed: “Think about how they will treat the immigrants if they’re treating an elected MP like this.”
In an interview with the BBC, he likened the buildings to a prison camp.
He also questioned the night-time rescuers’ capability to adequately assess those they rescue to prevent sending vulnerable individuals to Albania.
Mr. Magi stated that they will not have the ability to thoroughly investigate if someone has experienced torture, sexual violence, or discrimination based on their sexual orientation in Africa.
This is simply an effort to discourage people and a public relations stunt to convince Italians that this government is the first to successfully prevent migrants from entering. However, those who have taken the dangerous journey to reach Italy will not be dissuaded.
Fabrizio Bucci, the Italian ambassador in Tirana, holds a different opinion. “It is a factor that migrants and smugglers will need to consider,” he stated.
“What is there to lose?” We have attempted to distribute migrants across the EU without success. So why not attempt to navigate a fresh path? He describes it as a trial that, if successful, could be duplicated.
15 EU countries, led by Denmark, recently penned an open letter to the European Commission in support of the delegation of migration responsibilities. Sir Keir Starmer commended the agreement between Italy and Albania following his meetings with both Prime Ministers.
Mr. Starmer has abandoned the plan, which was likened to the previous Conservative government’s proposal to send failed asylum seekers to Rwanda.
However, the agreements vary greatly.
While Rwanda would have overseen the asylum applications and facilities in the agreement, granting asylum in Rwanda to those who were successful and deporting unsuccessful applicants to third countries approved by the Rwandan government, the deal with Albania will fall under the jurisdiction of Italy.
Ambassador Bucci confirmed that the Albanian legislation fully complied with EU and international laws.
As Albania negotiates joining the European Union, the reward includes enhancing its image.
However, Tirana journalist Vladimir Karaj from the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network, expressed his shock at the announcement made by Prime Minister Edi Rama. Prior to the Rwanda agreement, there were rumors of Britain trying to negotiate a deal with Albania, but Mr. Rama strongly opposed it.
He stated that he was firmly opposed to this type of treatment for refugees. When Albania made a deal with Italy, there was much speculation about what personal benefits Rama was receiving.
According to Mr. Karaj, there is no clear evidence: “The government claims that Italy is a close ally and provided shelter to Albanians after our dictatorship ended in the 1990s.”
Mr. Karaj stated that there were brief protests from some individuals who believed the deal was intended to replace Albanians with foreigners or to cede territory to Italy.
He believes that other nations might start approaching Albania.
He stated that Albania requires all the support it can receive from western countries. “If the UK or Germany, among other western governments, view this as a resolution, I believe Rama’s assertion that it is solely for Italy will not be easily accepted.”
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