Italy Outsources Migration Challenge with Albania Partnership
Albania Migrant Centre- Italy grapples with the ongoing challenge of managing migrant arrivals; the country is taking a bold new step. Today, Italy partially outsources this challenge to Albania by opening the first of two planned migrant centres in the neighbouring country. This marks the beginning of Europe’s first “offshoring” scheme, aimed at easing the burden on Italy while addressing the broader issue of irregular migration. The Albania migrant centre in Shengjin will be fully managed by the Italian government, which will fund its construction.
Albania Migrant Centre: A New Frontier in Migration Management
The Albania migrant centre in Shengjin is set to accommodate up to 3,000 migrants per month who are rescued while attempting to reach Italy by sea. These migrants picked up in international waters, will be housed in Albania, where they can request asylum in Italy. However, the centres are not open to women, children, or vulnerable individuals. If asylum is denied, migrants will be returned to countries deemed safe. Italy’s ambassador to Albania, Fabrizio Bucci, emphasised that Italian and European laws will govern the centres, making it “like having a centre in Italy – but in Albania.”
The second centre, which was planned for a former Air Force base in Gjader, has faced delays but is expected to open soon. The agreement between Italy and Albania will last five years, with the possibility of extension if successful in reducing Italy’s migrant burden.
Debate and Controversy Surround Italy’s Outsourcing Plan
The Albania migrant centre plan has sparked significant debate. Critics, including opposition politicians and human rights groups, argue that the project’s €650 million price tag is excessive for detaining a limited number of migrants. Riccardo Magi, an MP from Italy’s left-wing +Europa party, has voiced concerns over the potential mistreatment of migrants and the ability to screen those rescued at sea properly. Magi has likened the centres to penal colonies, questioning the efficacy and ethics of the offshoring approach.
Despite the controversy, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni defends the initiative as a crucial part of her campaign to curb migration. She argues that the project could serve as a model for other European nations facing similar challenges. Already, 15 EU members have shown support for the outsourcing strategy, with some even comparing it to previous attempts by the UK to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda.
For Albania, the deal offers potential benefits, including bolstering its image as it negotiates European Union membership. However, local reactions have been mixed, with protests and concerns about the country’s sovereignty. Yet, the Albanian government remains committed, seeing Italy as a crucial ally.
As the Albania migrant centre becomes operational, its success or failure could shape the future of migration management in Europe. Whether this experiment in offshoring will deter migrants from risking their lives to reach Italy remains to be seen, but the world is watching closely.
