Italy’s highest court has supported Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government in deciding which countries are safe for the return of asylum seekers.
The Court of Cassation ruled that the government alone has the authority to assess the safety of countries from which migrants arrive. Judges said the Foreign Minister and other officials are responsible for these decisions, not the courts.
“In determining safe countries, judges cannot replace the government’s evaluations,” the court said in its decision.
Migrants sent to Albania
The ruling follows appeals by the government after earlier decisions blocked the transfer of migrants to Albania. Under a deal with Albania, Italy plans to house asylum seekers in Albanian facilities while their claims are processed.
Meloni confirmed last week that the programme would restart in January. Migrants will be sent to centres in Shëngjin and Gjadër, as part of what she called the “Italo-Albanian model.”
“This is a practical and effective solution,” Meloni said, arguing it would ease the pressure on Italy’s overcrowded reception system.
Critics raise concerns
Italy continues to face a significant influx of migrants, with nearly 200,000 arrivals this year. Meloni’s government has made migration a top priority, but rights groups have criticised the Albania scheme, saying it shifts Italy’s responsibilities onto other nations.
Despite criticism, the government insists the policy is both necessary and legal.
