The first group of migrants sent from Italy to Albania for processing has been returned to Italy following a court ruling that deemed their countries of origin unsafe. This decision poses a significant challenge to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s controversial migration policy, which aimed to outsource asylum processing to Albania.
Key Takeaways
- Court Ruling: A special immigration court in Rome ruled that the 12 migrants from Bangladesh and Egypt could not be detained in Albania, citing safety concerns.
- Government Response: Prime Minister Meloni criticized the ruling, asserting that it undermines the government’s authority to determine safe countries.
- Future of the Plan: The Italian government plans to appeal the ruling and is considering legislative changes to address the court’s concerns.
Background Of The Migration Policy
In a bid to manage the increasing number of migrants arriving in Italy, the government established a five-year agreement with Albania to process asylum seekers in newly built centers. The plan aimed to handle approximately 3,000 migrants monthly, with the hope of expediting their asylum applications or deporting them back to their countries.
The Court’s Decision
On Friday, a court in Rome ruled that the 12 migrants, who had been sent to the Gjader center in Albania, could not be held there. The court determined that Bangladesh and Egypt were not safe countries for deportation, referencing recent international rulings on human rights.
The ruling came just days after the migrants were transferred to Albania, highlighting the legal complexities surrounding the government’s plan. The court’s decision mandates that all 12 migrants be returned to Italy, where they will have the opportunity to appeal the rejection of their asylum applications.
Political Reactions
Prime Minister Meloni expressed her frustration with the judiciary, stating that it is the government’s responsibility to define safe countries. She announced plans for a Cabinet meeting to discuss potential legislative measures to circumvent the court’s ruling.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi echoed Meloni’s sentiments, insisting that the government would appeal the decision and continue to push for the implementation of the migration plan.
Implications For Future Migration Policies
The return of the migrants raises questions about the viability of Italy’s outsourcing strategy. Critics argue that the plan is costly and ineffective, with estimates suggesting it could cost Italy around €670 million over five years. The opposition has called for a reevaluation of the approach, emphasizing the need for humane treatment of migrants and adherence to international law.
As the situation unfolds, the Italian government faces mounting pressure to address the legal and humanitarian implications of its migration policies. The outcome of the appeal and any subsequent legislative changes will be closely watched by both domestic and international observers, as they could set a precedent for how European countries manage migration in the future.
Conclusion
The return of the first batch of migrants from Albania to Italy underscores the challenges facing the Meloni administration in its efforts to reform migration policies. As the government prepares to appeal the court’s ruling, the future of the Albania plan remains uncertain, with significant implications for Italy’s approach to handling asylum seekers and migrants.
Sources
- First batch of migrants sent to Albania returned to Italy after court ruling | Euronews, Euronews.com.
- Italy’s Meloni faces big setback over migrant camps in Albania, BBC.
- Los últimos 12 deportados que quedaban en Albania llegan a Italia y constatan el fracaso del plan de Meloni | Internacional | EL PAÍS, EL PAÍS.
- Migranti Albania, tornano in Italia i 12 rimasti all’hotspot di Shengjin, Adnkronos.
- I 12 migranti mandati in Albania sono arrivati a Bari – Il Post, Il Post.
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