Meloni given powers to block migrants with navyItaly’s government proposes ‘naval blockade’ to stop boats.
Legislation is latest step in crackdown by Giorgia Meloni’s far-right government on irregular migration
Italy’s prime minister says her government will deploy every tool at its disposal to “guarantee the security of our borders” after approving a bill authorising naval blockades to stop boats from arriving in Italy during periods of “exceptional pressure”.
The bill is the latest step in the crackdown on irregular immigration by Giorgia Meloni’s far-right government, which has included tough measures against charity rescue ships, harsher jail terms for human smugglers and schemes aimed at swiftly repatriating people.Under the legislation, which needs to be approved by both houses of parliament, Italian authorities would have the power to ban boats from entering the country’s territorial waters for up to 30 days, extendable by up to six months, in situations of “serious threats to public order or national security”, such as terrorism.
The measure, which comes after hundreds of people are feared to have died while crossing the Mediterranean from north Africa during a recent powerful storm, also empowers authorities to impose the blockade during periods of dramatic increases in boat arrivals.
Those breaching the rules face fines of up to €50,000 and could have their boats confiscated in case of repeated violations — a measure targeted at the rescue ships. In such cases, the passengers on board could be transported to countries other than their country of origin that Italy has specific repatriation agreements with.
The European Parliament this week approved changes to EU asylum rules in response to pressure from member states, including Italy, for a harsher approach.
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