 |
| The prime ministers of Italy and Albani deliberating on the migrant crisis |
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has unveiled a major proposal to set up two migrant centers in Albania, aimed at accommodating tens of thousands of undocumented migrants.
This announcement came during a press conference in Rome, where Prime Minister Meloni disclosed details of the plan, developed in collaboration with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama.
These new centers, scheduled to open next spring, will focus primarily on processing migrants rescued at sea by Italian vessels and are expected to handle up to 36,000 individuals annually.
Italy, fully funding the project, will establish these migrant centers in the port of Shengjin and the Gjader region in north-west Albania.
Each facility will have the capacity to house 3,000 people per month, serving as temporary residences while Italy assesses their asylum claims or makes arrangements for repatriation, when necessary. It is important to note that the plan excludes pregnant women, children, and other vulnerable individuals.
Despite not being a member of the European Union, Albania has stood in solidarity with Italy in addressing the migrant crisis. Albania will provide security personnel and police officers to manage these centers.
Both Prime Ministers have expressed common goals, with Prime Minister Meloni even expressing support for Albania's potential future EU membership.
While the initiative is intended to address the rise in illegal migration, it has faced opposition from political figures in both Italy and Albania. Some have raised concerns about transparency and the potential consequences of the agreement.
Opposition leader Riccardo Magi voiced worries that these centers could resemble an "Italian Guantanamo," arguing that transferring rescued individuals to a non-EU country is not a legitimate solution.
Prime Minister Meloni, known for her strict stance on immigration, has taken numerous measures to curb illegal immigration during her tenure.
However, despite these efforts, Italy has witnessed a significant increase in migrant arrivals in 2023 compared to the previous year.
This situation led the Italian government to declare a six-month state of emergency in April, in response to the growing numbers of migrants crossing the Mediterranean from North Africa.
The establishment of migrant centers in Albania marks a significant development in Italy's response to the ongoing migrant crisis.
While the initiative is designed to address the challenges posed by illegal migration, it has sparked debates and criticism, both domestically and internationally.
The management of migration remains a multifaceted and delicate issue, with countries seeking collaborative solutions to tackle the various complexities it presents.
Connect with us
Note* Your reaction is our greatest delight! Click on "Post a Comment" to drop yours now.