Italian Navy Rescues Migrants as New Asylum Processing Centers Open in Albania
After two days at sea, the Italian Navy ship Libra docked at the port of Shengjin, marking a significant development in Italy's approach to asylum seekers. On Wednesday morning, the first group of asylum seekers, consisting of 16 men, arrived in Albania. These individuals will undergo health screening and identification procedures before being transferred to a reception camp in Gjader, situated a short distance from the port.
The ship carried a mix of nationals, including 10 from Bangladesh and 6 from Egypt, who had been rescued while attempting to reach the Sicilian island of Lampedusa earlier in the week. This arrival comes on the heels of a five-year agreement inked last November by Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, which aims to process thousands of asylum seekers wishing to seek refuge outside of Italy.
Recently opened centers in Albania, a move that faced several delays, will only accommodate adult men. Vulnerable individuals such as women, children, the elderly, and those who are ill or victims of torture will be granted asylum directly in Italy, ensuring that families remain intact during this tumultuous process.
According to Italian Ambassador to Albania, Fabrizio Bucci, the centers are equipped to handle the incoming migrants following necessary preparations. The center in Gjader possesses a capacity for 3,000 migrants but will initially begin operations with 400 individuals, ramping up to 880 in the weeks ahead.
Critics of the initiative question whether it represents innovative thinking or a troubling precedent. The overall cost for operating these centers is projected at 670 million Euros over the next five years. While these facilities will be under Italian jurisdiction, they will be fortified by Albanian security personnel.
Migrants in Albania retain their rights under both international and European Union laws to apply for asylum in Italy, with the processing expected to take a maximum of 28 days, including any appeals. Those granted asylum will be welcomed into Italy, while those whose applications are denied risk deportation from Albania.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has praised this agreement, referring to it as an example of 'out-of-the-box' thinking in addressing migration challenges within the EU. However, human rights organizations have condemned the agreement, arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent for the treatment of asylum seekers.
Prime Minister Edi Rama has expressed optimism regarding Albania's future, stating that the country aims to obtain full EU membership by the end of the decade. Following the opening of accession negotiations, Rama characterized the discussions as historic, emphasizing his government's commitment to completing this process.
Recent statistics reveal a decline in the number of migrants arriving in Italy via the central Mediterranean route, with a reported decrease of 61% this year compared to 2023. According to the Italian Interior Ministry, as of mid-October 2024, 54,129 migrants have reached Italian shores, contrasted with 138,947 at the same time last year.
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