World Immigration News

New Risks from Latest Scheme under Italy-Albania Immigration Deal

Release Date: 2025-04-02
Media: Human Rights Watch
Summary: The Italian government, after building an immigration facility in Gjader, Albania, which stands empty, has decided to turn it into an offshore detention center for undocumented migrants awaiting deportation. The facility was initially built under a 2023 agreement between Italy and Albania to process asylum seekers from countries Italy deems "safe." However, Italy's courts ruled that it was unlawful to detain these men under this assumption, and the European Court of Justice is expected to rule on the matter.

In the meantime, the government has decided to use the facility for migrants already in Italy who are pending deportation, despite having existing detention centers in Italy. These centers have been criticized for their high cost and inhumane conditions, with very few deportations actually taking place. The new Albanian facility is likely to replicate the problems seen in Italy, including obstructed legal aid and potential abuse without accountability.

This decision follows the European Commission's endorsement of "return hubs" outside the EU in its proposed Returns Regulation, a plan criticized for trying to shift migration responsibilities out of sight. Instead of such costly and problematic solutions, Italy and the EU should focus on humane and rational approaches to managing migration.
Tags: Italy

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