Italy’s Government Modifies Albanian Migrant Centers for Repatriation

Italy’s government has announced a significant change in the use of migrant centers in Albania, repurposing them from asylum processing facilities to centers for deportation, Arab News reported. This decision comes amid ongoing legal challenges that have stalled the original project.

Proponents of the change argue that it allows for immediate action in addressing irregular migration without incurring additional costs. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi emphasized that the modification enables the swift reactivation of the centers and positions the initiative as an innovative model for European migration policy.

However, critics raise several concerns. Former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein have questioned the legality of relocating repatriation centers to a non-EU country, suggesting it may violate European law. Additionally, the initiative is expected to cost €160 million annually, leading to accusations of government waste. Rights groups have also expressed worries about potential violations of migrant protections in these facilities, anticipating further legal disputes.