In an unprecedented move, the Italian Interior Ministry announced the restart of its contentious program to transfer asylum seekers to Albania, which had been stalled due to judicial interference. The first transfer occurred on Sunday, with an Italian Navy vessel carrying 49 migrants intercepted at sea before reaching Italian shores. This operational change is part of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's broader strategy aimed at mitigating illegal immigration and promoting a migration management model perceived as progressive by some European leaders.
**Italy Resumes Controversial Migrant Transfers to Albania Amid Legal Challenges**
**Italy Resumes Controversial Migrant Transfers to Albania Amid Legal Challenges**
Italy's renewed effort to send asylum seekers to Albania for processing sparks outrage and legal battles as officials strive to combat irregular migration.
The initiative emphasizes holding asylum seekers abroad while their applications are assessed, a policy Meloni has positioned as a key element of her administration’s response to the ongoing migration crisis in the Mediterranean. However, the previous attempt to send asylum seekers to Albania faced judicial hurdles, primarily because judges determined that prior transfers may have violated the rights of migrants from potentially unsafe countries.
In light of these judicial setbacks, Meloni's government has revised its approach by redrafting a list of countries deemed safe, although specifics about migrant origins have not been disclosed. This policy has drawn substantial criticism from human rights advocates and political opposition, branding it as both inhumane and overly costly. Yet, figures within the EU, including Ursula von der Leyen, have praised it as a model for enhanced collaboration with third nations regarding migration responsibilities.
As the legal debates intensify—escalated by a potential European Court of Justice ruling on the definition of safe countries—Italy’s process for determining eligible migrants remains fraught with uncertainty. Nevertheless, Meloni remains resolute, expressing determination to see this policy implemented, stating her commitment to ensure its success throughout her administration.
Elisabetta Povoledo contributed reporting. Emma Bubola is a Times reporter based in Rome.
In light of these judicial setbacks, Meloni's government has revised its approach by redrafting a list of countries deemed safe, although specifics about migrant origins have not been disclosed. This policy has drawn substantial criticism from human rights advocates and political opposition, branding it as both inhumane and overly costly. Yet, figures within the EU, including Ursula von der Leyen, have praised it as a model for enhanced collaboration with third nations regarding migration responsibilities.
As the legal debates intensify—escalated by a potential European Court of Justice ruling on the definition of safe countries—Italy’s process for determining eligible migrants remains fraught with uncertainty. Nevertheless, Meloni remains resolute, expressing determination to see this policy implemented, stating her commitment to ensure its success throughout her administration.
Elisabetta Povoledo contributed reporting. Emma Bubola is a Times reporter based in Rome.
