Italy and Albania Forge New Asylum Deal as Migrants Arrive at Shengjin Port
On October 16, a navy boat carrying migrants arrived at Shengjin port in Albania, marking a significant step in a newly established agreement between Italy and Albania. Reported by Agence France-Presse (AFP), the first group of arrivals, comprising 16 men—10 from Bangladesh and 6 from Egypt—were rescued at sea after departing from Libya aboard the Italian naval ship Libra. The ship had departed from Lampedusa on Monday before docking in Albania.
As per the newly crafted deal, these migrants will be temporarily housed in prefabricated accommodations while their asylum applications are examined. The processing will take place in two designated centers in Albania, specifically at Camp Gjader, located about 20 kilometers from the port. Notably, these centers will operate under Italian law, with security and staffing provided by Italy. Furthermore, video hearings with Italian judges will facilitate the legal process.
However, the arrangement has not come without its critics. Human rights advocates have raised concerns over the adequacy of protections for asylum seekers in these facilities. Despite this scrutiny, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni defended the initiative, describing it as a 'courageous' and 'unprecedented' path that embodies the true spirit of Europe. She emphasized that the approach could serve as a model for collaboration with other non-EU nations.
This agreement marks a pioneering moment in European asylum policy, with other regional leaders observing its implementation closely. As Italy and Albania navigate the complexities of this new relationship concerning migrant management, the implications for asylum seekers and the broader European context remain to be fully realized.
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