Italy has officially signed a new migration deal with Albania, aiming to streamline the processing and repatriation of migrants. This agreement comes as Italy’s government seeks to manage increasing migration flows while facing legal challenges and opposition from human rights groups.
Key Takeaways
- Italy resumes migrant transfers to Albania’s detention centers.
- New decree expands the role of Albanian centers to include repatriation hubs.
- Stricter citizenship laws introduced alongside the migration deal.
Background of the Agreement
The Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has been under pressure to address the rising number of migrants arriving on its shores. The new agreement allows for the transfer of migrants intercepted at sea to detention facilities in Albania, marking a significant shift in Italy’s approach to handling migration.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to deter irregular migration and streamline the deportation process for those whose asylum requests have been denied. The centers in Albania, which have been largely inactive since their opening, are now set to house migrants who have received deportation orders from Italy.
Legal Challenges and Controversies
Despite the government’s intentions, the plan has faced significant legal hurdles. Italian courts have previously ruled against the validity of detaining migrants in Albania, citing concerns over the safety of their home countries. The European Court of Justice is expected to review Italy’s plan, which could further complicate the implementation of the agreement.
- Court Rulings: Italian judges have previously refused to validate the detention of migrants in Albania, leading to their return to Italy shortly after transfer.
- Human Rights Concerns: Advocacy groups argue that the agreement violates international laws and puts migrants’ rights at risk.
New Decree and Its Implications
On March 28, the Italian government approved a decree that expands the functions of the Albanian centers. The centers will now not only process non-vulnerable migrants but also serve as repatriation hubs for those whose asylum applications have been rejected. This change is in line with a recent EU proposal aimed at establishing return hubs in third countries.
- Investment: The project has cost nearly €800 million over five years, with the government hoping to reactivate the centers to fulfill their intended purpose.
- Operational Changes: Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi emphasized that the decree does not alter the core agreement with Albania but adds new functionalities to the existing centers.
Stricter Citizenship Laws
In conjunction with the migration deal, Italy has also introduced stricter citizenship laws. The new regulations limit automatic citizenship to individuals with at least one parent or grandparent born in Italy, effectively tightening the criteria for those seeking Italian nationality through descent.
- Impact on Citizenship: This change aims to reduce the number of citizenship applications and prevent the perceived commercialization of Italian passports.
- Statistics: The number of Italian citizens residing abroad has surged from 4.6 million in 2014 to 6.4 million in 2024, reflecting a growing diaspora.
Conclusion
The new migration deal between Italy and Albania represents a significant shift in Italy’s approach to managing migration. While the government aims to streamline processes and reduce irregular migration, the legal and humanitarian implications of this agreement remain contentious. As the situation develops, the outcomes of upcoming court rulings will be crucial in determining the future of this initiative.
Sources
- Italy resumes migrant transfers to Albania detention centres, Reuters.
- Albanian Daily News, Albanian Daily News.
- Italy approves new decree to use Albania migration centres as repatriation hubs, Euronews.
- Italy approves new decree to use Albanian migration centers as repatriation hubs, AP News.
- Italy resumes migrant transfers to Albania, AP News.
