Italy begins diverting migrants to Albania under new agreement

A ship carrying the first group of migrants under a new agreement between Italy and Albania docked in Shengjin on Wednesday morning, marking the start of the first European Union scheme to process asylum seekers outside its borders.

This controversial initiative aims to reduce irregular migrant arrivals to Italy. Under the program, two reception centers have been constructed in Albania to process migrants. However, rights groups have criticized the deal, arguing it limits migrants’ right to seek asylum.

Footage showed the Italian navy ship Libra arriving with 16 migrants, who were escorted into a newly built processing center surrounded by high metal fences, adorned with Italian and EU flags. The migrants—10 Bangladeshis and six Egyptians—had been intercepted at sea after departing from Libya.

Once processed in Shengjin, the migrants will be transferred to a facility in the village of Gjader, about 15 minutes away. Those granted asylum will be sent to Italy, while those denied will be repatriated to their home countries.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has defended the program, calling it a model for Europe as the continent faces growing tensions over migration. However, a small group of protesters gathered at the port, with banners declaring, “The European dream ends here.”

Critics, including Albanian human rights activist Arilda Lleshi, argue that diverting migrants to Albania undermines Europe’s values of democracy and human rights. The new scheme limits the number of migrants in Albania to 3,000 at any given time, and only men from “safe” countries, including Bangladesh and Egypt, will be sent under the agreement.

Aid groups, such as the International Rescue Committee, warn that the arrangement jeopardizes the fundamental right to seek asylum, regardless of how or where individuals arrive.

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