Italy has once again sent a group of migrants to Albania, despite challenges related to the processing of a previous batch. On November 8, 2024, the Italian navy ship Libra docked at the Albanian port of Shengjin, bringing eight migrants from Bangladesh and Egypt. This is the second transfer under a new initiative to send migrants to Albania, despite issues with the vetting process.
A month ago, Italy had tried a similar transfer, but the first group of 12 migrants had to be returned after a court ruling in Rome determined that their countries of origin Bangladesh and Egypt were not safe enough for repatriation. The ruling, which came from the Italian court system, rejected the idea of sending migrants back to these countries, effectively halting their deportation.
The current group of eight will go through asylum processing in Albania before being sent to the repatriation center in Gjader, located further north. This is only the second such transfer since two new migrant processing centers were established in Albania earlier this fall. The first set of transfers involved 16 migrants, and of those, four were returned to Italy immediately after the transfer, due to concerns about minors or individuals with health conditions.
Rome has faced significant legal challenges in its handling of migrant repatriations. In this case, after the court ruling, 12 migrants from Bangladesh and Egypt were brought back to Italy after it was determined their countries of origin could not provide them with adequate safety. These legal complexities have caused Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to criticize the decision, stating that by deeming countries like Bangladesh and Egypt unsafe, it would make the entire Albania migrant transfer program unworkable.
Despite these challenges, Italy continues to struggle with the large number of migrants arriving by sea, especially along the central Mediterranean route. In 2024, migrant arrivals from countries such as Bangladesh, Syria, Tunisia, and Egypt have dropped by about 60% compared to the previous year. As of early November, Italy had received nearly 58,000 migrants via sea, signaling a significant decrease in arrivals but still highlighting ongoing pressures on Italy’s asylum and repatriation systems.
This ongoing situation reflects the complexity of migrant and refugee management within the European Union, especially as countries like Italy face increasing strain from migration pressures while attempting to balance legal, humanitarian, and political concerns. Asylum seekers often find themselves caught in lengthy legal processes, with courts determining the safety and suitability of their home countries for repatriation, while governments look for practical solutions to manage the flow of people.
Italy’s actions, particularly its decision to transfer migrants to Albania, are part of a broader EU strategy to manage migration more effectively, especially from regions experiencing conflict or political instability. However, legal rulings like the one from the Rome court add layers of complexity to the process, raising concerns over the sustainability of these programs and whether countries will continue to see cooperation between Italy, Albania, and other EU members on such issues.
As the situation unfolds, Italy and other European nations will likely face ongoing debates over how best to manage the migration crisis, ensure the safety and well-being of migrants, and adhere to international legal obligations regarding asylum and refugee protection. With migration routes still active and pressures mounting, this issue is expected to remain a focal point in European politics and policymaking in the coming months.
