An Albanian court has approved an agreement allowing Italy to transfer migrants rescued in the Mediterranean by Italian ships to detention centers in Albania while their asylum claims are processed. The deal is part of Italy’s efforts to reduce migration, particularly Mediterranean Sea crossings, and sends a message that many undocumented migrants will not be allowed directly into Italy. The agreement was signed in November by the leaders of both countries and has been approved by the lower house of Parliament in Italy. It is now awaiting approval by the Albanian Parliament. The deal would allow for the construction of two centers around the port of Shengjin, with a capacity of 3,000 migrants. Migrants intercepted at sea would register for asylum and plead their cases remotely to Italian judges. Those whose asylum bids are rejected would be expelled by Albania to their home countries. Vulnerable individuals, including children, pregnant women, and the ill and disabled, would be taken directly to Italy for processing. In exchange for Albania’s support on migration, Italy has pledged to support Albania’s entry into the European Union. The International Organization for Migration reported that nearly 100 people have died or disappeared in the Mediterranean since the beginning of 2024, highlighting the dangers faced by migrants. Italy has also struck deals with Tunisia and Libya to limit migration and is calling for the European Union to share the burden of managing migrants landing in Italy. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has met with African leaders to promote economic development in Africa and discourage young people from emigrating.
Source from www.nytimes.com
Date: 2024-01-30 05:43:54