The Italian government prepares to open 2 migrant processing centers in Albania as part of its effort to combat human trafficking and manage migration flows. The centers, expected to begin operations in October, aim to process men rescued at sea who are attempting to reach Italy, allowing for their asylum claims to be reviewed. This initiative, led by Italy’s hard-right administration, has sparked both support and criticism, with officials stating that the centers will help ensure only those with a legitimate right to enter the European Union (EU) are allowed in.
A Response to Human Trafficking
The Italian government sees the establishment of these centers as a crucial tool in combating human trafficking and curbing illegal migration. The centers will be located in the Albanian cities of Shengjin, a coastal port, and Gjader, further inland. Men who are intercepted en route to Italy will be sent to these facilities, where their asylum requests will be processed. Those found ineligible for asylum will be deported back to their countries of origin, provided those nations are deemed “safe” by Italian authorities.
Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi confirmed that, despite delays, the two migrant processing centers would open in October. The centers were initially scheduled to open in May, following a bilateral agreement signed between Italy and Albania in November 2023. However, construction issues and bureaucratic challenges caused delays.
Mixed Reactions and Legal Challenges
While the Italian government prepares to open 2 migrant processing centers to combat human trafficking, the initiative has not been without controversy. Human rights organizations have criticized the move, raising concerns over potential violations of asylum seekers’ rights. Amnesty International has described the plan as “shameful,” arguing that the offshore centers will extend the migrants’ already dangerous journey and subject them to lengthy detention without proper legal protections.
In addition to criticism from human rights groups, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) recently ruled that the plan to transfer migrants from “safe” countries, as defined by Italy, to Albania was not legal under EU law. However, the ECJ ruling is non-binding, and Italy and Albania are proceeding with the initiative. Both countries have emphasized that the centers will operate according to international law, with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) invited to monitor operations once they begin.
Impact on Migration Patterns
The Italian government’s focus on reducing migration comes after a 60% drop in the number of migrants arriving on the central Mediterranean route from Libya and Tunisia, according to Italy’s Interior Ministry and the EU’s border agency, Frontex. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government has taken a firm stance against illegal migration, including cracking down on non-governmental organization (NGO) rescue ships and securing agreements with North African countries to prevent departures.
The two migrant processing centers are seen as part of Italy’s broader strategy, dubbed the “Rome Process,” which aims to tackle illegal migration and its root causes. Meloni’s efforts have received support from other European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has shown interest in the Italy-Albania agreement and pledged financial backing for similar initiatives.
Operations at the Centers
The migrant processing centers in Albania will initially accommodate up to 3,800 men at a time. Those who qualify for asylum processing in Italy will be transferred from the Shengjin center to the larger facility in Gjader. The agreement specifies that only migrants from countries Italy deems “safe,” such as Bangladesh, Tunisia, and Egypt, will be sent to these centers. Migrants from nations considered unsafe, such as Afghanistan and Syria, will eventually be transferred to Italy for further processing.
The Italian government has allocated €252 million ($278 million) to staff and operate the centers, with Italy providing 500 personnel, including police and health workers. The project also involves a five-year contract worth €670 million ($738 million) for the overall management of the centers. Despite these financial commitments, critics argue that the plan could lead to indefinite detention of asylum seekers and raise concerns about transparency and accountability.
Conclusion
As the Italian government prepares to open 2 migrant processing centers to combat human trafficking, the initiative remains a focal point of debate in Europe. While officials argue that the centers will help manage migration and prevent human trafficking, critics are concerned about the potential violation of migrants’ rights and the offshoring of asylum processes. The centers are set to play a significant role in Italy’s ongoing effort to control irregular migration and address the challenges posed by human trafficking.
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