A second group of illegal migrants in Albania will be returned to Italy after a court ruling suspended their deportation. The migrants, who had arrived under a bilateral agreement between the two countries, are awaiting transfer to Italy.
The group of seven migrants was moved from the Gjadër camp in northern Albania to the port of Shëngjin, where they will be repatriated to Italy. The decision comes after a ruling from a court in Rome temporarily halted their deportation.
The second group arrived in Albania on November 8, staying briefly at a reception center set up by Italian authorities in the Lezhë region. The move follows the return of the first group of migrants to Italy on October 16, also under a similar court decision.
The controversial agreement between Italy and Albania, signed on November 6, 2023, aims to address irregular migration by establishing reception centers for illegal migrants in Albania. The protocol, which sparked debate in both countries, has been criticized by some opposition parties and civil society organizations.
According to the Albanian government, the protocol is designed to strengthen bilateral cooperation on managing migration flows from third countries, in line with international and European law.
