On April 11, 2025, Italy made a renewed attempt to transfer migrants to reception centers in Albania, a move that has sparked significant political and social reactions. Approximately forty migrants, who were awaiting expulsion, were transferred from Italy to a camp in Gjadër, Albania. This camp is financed by the Italian authorities and has remained largely empty since its establishment.
The Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has been trying to implement this transfer policy for the past two years. This latest transfer marks a significant moment, as it is the first time that a European Union country has sent migrants to a non-EU country after their asylum applications were rejected. The decision has raised eyebrows and concerns regarding the treatment of migrants and the legality of such actions.
According to reports, the migrants were transported aboard the Italian Navy ship Libra, which departed from the port of Brindisi in southern Italy. Upon arrival in Albania, the migrants were escorted to the Gjader center, one of two facilities established to house migrants rescued at sea while their asylum applications are processed. The other center is located in the port of Shëngjin.
Despite the government's efforts, the situation surrounding these centers has been complicated. Since their inauguration in October 2024, Italian courts have prohibited authorities from using them due to legal challenges. Consequently, small groups of migrants have been sent back to Italy, highlighting the ongoing legal and humanitarian dilemmas faced by the Italian government.
As of now, the Italian government has not disclosed the nationalities of the migrants involved in this transfer. However, it has been reported that they include individuals from various countries such as Tunisia, Egypt, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Algeria, Georgia, Nigeria, and Moldova. All of these migrants are under expulsion decrees.
Under Italian law, migrants whose asylum applications have been rejected can be detained in Albania for up to 18 months while their expulsion procedures are completed. This raises further questions about the migrants' rights and the conditions they will face in the Albanian centers.
During a visit to the port of Shengjin, European Parliament member Cecilia Strada expressed her concerns regarding the treatment of the migrants. She described the situation as alarming, noting that the migrants were handcuffed upon arrival. "We demand accountability for the methods of transfer. We plan to enter the hotspot as soon as the police operations are completed. Apparently, they come from many CPRs, almost all Italian, but we do not have much information," Strada stated.
The Gjader center is currently at the center of a political and judicial dispute, with accusations directed at the Meloni government for creating a costly and inhumane system for the transfer of migrants. Critics argue that this policy could potentially violate European asylum regulations. Legal challenges have temporarily halted the detention of migrants, putting the legitimacy of the centers under scrutiny.
In November 2023, Prime Minister Meloni signed an agreement with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama to open these centers in Albania, which were intended to process the cases of migrants rescued by Italy in the central Mediterranean. However, the hopes of the Italian government to use these centers as a model for managing migration in Europe have not materialized as planned.
As the situation unfolds, many are questioning the ethical implications of Italy's approach to migration. The transfer of migrants to Albania is part of a broader strategy by the Meloni government to externalize immigration management to third countries. This strategy has been met with criticism and concern from various human rights organizations and political figures.
In light of the ongoing challenges, observers are left pondering the future of migration policies in Europe and the impact of Italy's actions on the broader humanitarian landscape. Will the transfer of migrants to Albania become a precedent for other EU countries? How will this affect the rights and treatment of migrants seeking asylum?
As Italy continues to grapple with its immigration policies, the situation remains fluid, with potential ramifications not just for the migrants involved but for the political landscape across Europe. With courts still deliberating on the legality of these centers and public opinion divided, the coming weeks and months will be critical in shaping the future of migration policy in Italy and beyond.
