In a significant shift in its immigration policy, Italy has officially recognized Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, and Tunisia as "safe countries" for deportation, according to Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. This announcement follows a recent meeting of the Italian Council of Ministers, which approved the updated list of countries deemed safe for returning migrants.
Tajani emphasized that the new list does not reflect any substantial changes from the previous year, stating during a press conference, "The report does not show any changes or significant differences from the previous version." The list also includes other nations such as Albania, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cape Verde, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Peru, Senegal, Serbia, and Sri Lanka.
The decision will now be submitted to the Italian Parliament for further discussion and approval, although no specific timeline has been provided. This move is part of Italy's broader strategy to manage immigration more effectively, especially as the country continues to receive a significant influx of refugees from these designated safe countries.
In related developments, Italian Minister of European Affairs, Raffaele Fitto, recently met with Magnus Brunner, the European Union Commissioner for Immigration and Asylum, to discuss enhancing European cooperation on immigration matters. Fitto expressed Italy's support for establishing a European system that facilitates the return of irregular migrants to their countries of origin, praising the bilateral agreement between Italy and Albania as a model for future cooperation.
Fitto also advocated for the possibility of returning migrants to safe third countries and the establishment of joint European centers to coordinate immigration efforts. This approach aims to streamline the process of managing migrant flows and ensure that Italy can effectively handle the challenges posed by irregular migration.
As Italy prepares for these changes, the country faces a dual challenge of managing its own immigration policies while also addressing the geopolitical dynamics in regions such as Africa. Tajani has pointed out the importance of Italy's military presence in Niger, highlighting that this engagement is crucial for combating human trafficking and illegal immigration.
During a joint hearing before the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committees in the Italian Parliament, Tajani noted, "The mission in Burkina Faso has not yet begun, but we are present in Niger because I believe it is essential for Italy and the European Union to continue playing a role in that part of Africa." He underscored the strategic significance of the Agadez region, which is a major transit point for human trafficking and other illicit activities heading north toward Europe.
Italy's military presence in Niger is seen as a proactive measure to counter the growing influence of nations like China and Russia in the Sahel region. Tajani asserted that Italy's involvement is not solely military but also political, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to stability in the area. "I think Italy is right to remain there, not just with military presence, but also with political presence," he stated.
Similarly, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto echoed these sentiments, explaining that Italy's commitment to Niger is essential to maintain a Western presence in the face of increasing competition from Russia and China. He remarked, "If Italy were to leave, we would be leaving the military presence to Russia and China only." Crosetto also noted that the new government in Niger has not shown any hostility toward Italy, reinforcing the rationale for Italy's continued presence in the country.
While the situation in Burkina Faso remains precarious, with no current Italian military presence due to security concerns, Crosetto indicated that Italy is prepared to respond to changing conditions. He mentioned that the Italian government is considering a potential mission to support bilateral cooperation if the security situation allows for it.
As Italy navigates these complex immigration and foreign policy landscapes, the implications of its decisions will likely resonate beyond its borders. The recognition of safe countries for deportation aligns with broader European efforts to manage migration flows, but it also raises questions about the treatment of migrants and the responsibilities of nations in safeguarding human rights.
In summary, Italy's recent policy decisions reflect a commitment to addressing immigration challenges while also maintaining a strategic presence in Africa. The government's actions will be closely monitored as they unfold, particularly in how they impact both domestic and international perceptions of Italy's role in migration management and geopolitical stability.
