Italy implemented its controversial plan to send migrants to Albania for processing on Wednesday, October 16th, marking a shift in European migration policies. The first 16 migrants, rescued from the Mediterranean, arrived in the Albanian port of Shengjin. This initiative is part of a broader European Union effort to address rising migration pressures. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced that the EU will present legislation to increase migrant deportations across member states.
Under the Italy-Albania agreement, migrants from countries deemed “safe,” like Bangladesh and Egypt, are transferred to Albania. They are vetted by Italian authorities and undergo an expedited asylum process, expected to take less than a month. If denied asylum, they will be deported to their home countries. This plan is part of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s effort to deter migrants from attempting the dangerous journey to Europe.
Von der Leyen emphasized the need for a more efficient deportation system, noting that only 20% of irregular migrants ordered to leave actually do so. The scheme has drawn criticism from human rights organizations, which warn that offshoring migrants could set a dangerous precedent. NGOs like the International Rescue Committee (IRC) argue that this approach could lead to human rights violations and merely shift migration to more dangerous routes.
The plan reflects growing pressure across Europe to curb migration, with several countries adopting stricter policies. Germany has reintroduced land border checks, and France is considering tightening immigration laws. Despite opposition, Meloni defended the plan, calling it “a courageous path that reflects the European spirit.”
More than 1 million migrants have arrived in Italy since 2014, with over 30,000 deaths reported during their attempts to cross the Mediterranean. As migration remains a highly contentious issue, the results of Italy’s new approach will be closely watched by other EU nations looking for solutions to ongoing migration challenges.
