Italy diverts first refugees to Albania
The controversial plan will see men from “safe” countries have their Italian asylum applications processed in Albania. Critics warn the move will set a dangerous precedent.
The Italian naval ship Libra
Refugees brought to Albania must have their asylum claims processed within 28 days, according to EU law.Image: Florion Goga/REUTERS
Sponsored Content
An Italian naval ship docked at the Albanian port of Shengjin on Wednesday, marking the beginning of Italy’s highly controversial plan to bring some rescued refugees directly to the non-EU country.
“It is a new, courageous, unprecedented path, but one that perfectly reflects the European spirit and has everything it takes to be followed also with other non-EU nations,” said Italy’s far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The Libra was carrying 16 men who had been rescued at sea after departing Libya, Italian officials said. Ten were from Bangladesh, and six were from Egypt.
Italy has committed to spending €670 million ($730 million) on two migrant processing centers in Albania over the next five years.
Rome said that only men from countries considered safe would be taken to Albania, and that they would have to be classified as “non-vulnerable,” that is, healthy and not showing signs of having experienced physical violence.
The refugees retain their right to apply for asylum, and anyone granted asylum is to be returned to Italian shores.
