Oct 16, 2024 – Albania has taken the first steps in hosting migrants as part of a new European Union initiative to manage asylum seekers outside the EU. The plan, developed with Italy, aims to reduce illegal migration and help European countries handle increasing numbers of arrivals.
The 16 men, who were intercepted by Italy’s coast guard while at sea, will stay in Albania while their asylum applications are processed. If their requests are denied, they will be returned to Egypt and Bangladesh, their home countries.
This initiative is being tested in Albania for the first time. Italy has set up two reception centres, one in Shëngjin and the other in Gjader, where the migrants will be accommodated. Italian staff will oversee the centres to ensure proper handling of the migrants during their stay.
Under this agreement, no more than 3,000 migrants will be allowed to stay in Albania at any given time. The program only includes men from countries deemed “safe” by Italy, such as Egypt and Bangladesh. There are currently 21 countries on Italy’s safe list, and many migrants from these countries are trying to reach northern Europe.
Last year alone, more than 56,000 people arrived in Italy from four of these nations. However, many migrants move quickly, hoping to find better opportunities elsewhere in Europe.
The agreement between Italy and Albania allows up to 36,000 people to be processed in Albania each year, provided they come from these “safe” countries.
This new plan is part of the EU’s ongoing efforts to address migration more fairly and efficiently. By processing asylum requests outside of the union, the aim is to reduce illegal crossings into Europe and provide a more structured approach to managing migration.
