The Italian destroyer Libra arrived at the Port of Shengjin for the second time on Friday morning, carrying eight migrants intercepted in international waters by Italian authorities. These migrants were transferred to Albania for processing at new facilities, marking just the second transfer of migrants since the operation began in October. This program, the first of its kind in the EU, diverts arrivals to a separate country while their asylum claims are processed.
The Italian navy destroyer Libra docked at the Port of Shengjin after leaving Lampedusa, a common landing point for migrants crossing the Mediterranean from Africa. Italy’s innovative Albanian solution aims to address illegal immigration, which has become a contentious issue in the EU, leading to stricter controls and policies across many nations.
Poland and Germany have also implemented tighter restrictions on asylum, with Germany resuming deportations to Afghanistan and Syria following violent attacks by illegal immigrants. In the UK, the previous government considered a deportation scheme to Rwanda, which was scrapped after the Labour Party came to power.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised the Albania scheme as a model for Europe, with other countries expressing interest. Despite the government’s optimism, the operation has seen only a small number of arrivals at the processing centers. The Libra’s first transfer carried just 16 migrants, with most being sent back to Italy due to health issues or legal reasons.
The number of illegal immigrants arriving in Italy via the central Mediterranean route has declined by 60% compared to the previous year. The Italian Interior Ministry reports that over 57,000 illegal immigrants have arrived by sea in 2024. A recent court ruling in Rome has limited the list of “safe” countries for repatriation, posing challenges to the Albania program.
To address legal obstacles, Italy approved a new decree upgrading the status of safe countries and removing Nigeria, Colombia, and Cameroon from the list. Under a 670 million euro agreement with Albania, up to 3,000 migrants intercepted by Italian coast guards each month can be held in Albania for asylum processing or deportation.
The center in Albania will initially accommodate 400 migrants, gradually increasing to 880. Only non-vulnerable men from safe countries will be housed there, while vulnerable individuals will be accommodated in Italy. Families will not be separated under the scheme, ensuring a humane approach to migration management. Please rewrite the text for me.
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