Italy has unveiled plans to set up two migrant processing centers in Albania to handle the influx of illegal migrants, as disclosed by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during a joint press conference with her Albanian counterpart, Edi Rama, in Rome.
These facilities, slated to begin operations next spring, are designed to process as many as 36,000 individuals annually. Prime Minister Meloni clarified that these centers would cater to migrants rescued at sea by Italian vessels, distinguishing them from those who reach Italian territory independently.
At these centers, migrants will be housed temporarily while their applications for asylum in Italy are under review. The plan is set to exclude pregnant women, minors, and individuals identified as vulnerable. Meloni detailed that the centers, funded by Italy, will have the capacity to host 3,000 people each month. The objective is to expedite asylum procedures and, where necessary, arrange for the repatriation of individuals.
The chosen locations for these centers are the port of Shengjin and the Gjader region in north-west Albania, with security and policing to be managed by Albanian forces.
In her remarks, Meloni commended Albania for acting in the spirit of EU membership despite not being part of the union. She voiced her support for Albania’s bid to join the EU. For his part, Prime Minister Rama reflected on the longstanding supportive relationship between the two nations, particularly during Albania’s post-Communist transition in the 1990s, indicating Albania’s readiness to assist Italy in managing its migrant challenge.
Prime Minister Meloni, known for her firm anti-immigration stance, has been proactive in introducing measures to curb illegal immigration. Despite these efforts, migrant arrivals in Italy have increased significantly this year compared to last.
Following a surge in Mediterranean crossings, Italian authorities declared a six-month state of emergency earlier this year, underlining the urgency of addressing the complex issue of migration.
