Italy plans deportations from Albania: What does that mean for migrants?

Italy plans deportations from Albania: What does that mean for migrants?

Italy plans a comprehensive redesign of its refugee policy by wanting to use two recording centers in Albania for the displaced migrants. Originally, these centers were to serve to bring rescued migrants to Albania immediately in the Mediterranean, where Italian officials would decide on asylum applications. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi emphasized that these Albanian institutions could play a crucial role in the return of migrants in the future. According to Piantedosi, the return debate has become more important worldwide and Italy had been challenged by Europe to become active.

The Italian government plans to increase the number of deportations to 35 percent compared to the previous year. In the context of this upgrade, it was found that the conversion of the centers in Albania did not require any new investments, as these were already set up for deportation. The camps are currently empty; Since their opening in autumn, they have only been occupied by men for a short time.

challenges in implementation

Despite the plans, the model of the quick decision on asylum applications in Albania has not yet worked. According to the Dublin rules of the European Union, Italy is responsible for the asylum applications of the migrants who first reach the country. However, the judiciary in Rome has stopped the government's original plans under Giorgia Meloni three times since October. In this context, all 66 men who were transported to Albania had to be brought back to Italy.

Italy is the only EU country that has built migrant camps outside the EU. These camps have space for more than 1,200 migrants, but so far only single men from safe countries of origin have been selected. Women and children remained excluded from these measures, which led to growing tensions in the debate about the definition of safe countries of origin and the associated legal framework.

costs and other perspectives

The costs for the construction and operation of the camps in Albania are remarkable and are estimated at over 650 million euros. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) is still dealing with the case, but an appointment for a judgment is currently still pending. In the meantime, the dangerous crossing over the Mediterranean brings numerous migrants in mortal danger, whereby many do not survive the crossing.

This development is part of the ongoing, complex debate about migration and asylum policy in Europe, which brings loose guidelines and legal uncertainties. Further information on the contexts of European asylum policy can be read on ​​Europarl 573304_DE.PDF). In view of this situation, it remains to be observed how the situation in Albania and Italian refugee policy will develop.