Italy cannot open migrant centres in Albania as planned
Due to delays in construction, Italy may not be able to open its controversial new migrant reception centers in Albania until several weeks from now, the Italian government confirmed. The centers, where male migrants are supposed to wait for their asylum applications to be processed, were originally scheduled to open today, Thursday.
Cabinet representative Alfredo Mantovano had cited the hot temperatures, which had forced workers to take breaks at a construction site in Gjader, as the reason for the delay. The other center in Shengjin has been ready since May. A spokesperson for the Italian Interior Ministry confirmed that Mantovano's expectation of a delay of several weeks still stands.
Right-wing Minister President Giorgia Meloni and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama signed an agreement last year to have migrants rescued at sea on their way to Italy sent to Albania. Those who have to wait in Albania will still be able to apply for asylum in Italy, but their freedom of movement in Albania will be restricted.
Italy has long been calling on other European countries to do more to address the high number of migrants trying to reach Europe.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has praised the agreement between Italy and Albania as a creative approach to migration. However, Amnesty International and other human rights groups have criticized the deal, saying it will lead to arbitrary and prolonged detentions.
"It's shameful that the Italian government has decided to proceed with this agreement despite all the criticism and concerns raised by human rights organizations," said Eve Geddie of Amnesty International.
The Commission has commended Europe for considering the Italy-Albania migration agreement as a creative approach, despite facing criticism from human rights groups. The Commission has yet to provide any concrete support or resources to expedite the construction process of the migrant reception centers in Albania.
