Italy will resume the transfer of immigrants to Albania in January 2024. This decision follows a ruling by Italy’s Supreme Court, clearing the way for the controversial plan to continue.
The agreement, signed in 2023, involves sending illegal immigrants to camps in Albania, a country that is a candidate for EU membership. However, the plan has faced challenges in Italian courts, which initially blocked the transfers due to safety concerns for the refugees.
In response, Italy’s government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has made changes to the process. A new decree shifts the responsibility for decisions about immigrant detention from lower courts to the Appeals Courts, hoping for more favorable rulings. The new law will take effect on January 11, 2024.
Prime Minister Meloni welcomed the decision, saying Italy is the first EU country to sign such an agreement with a non-EU country. “We have had difficulties, but we will continue working with Albania. The goal is to make sure these transfers can happen smoothly,” she said.
The transfer agreement is part of Italy’s broader approach to immigration, which remains a hot topic in the country. While the government argues that the plan will help manage the flow of immigrants, some opposition groups and human rights organizations have raised concerns about the treatment of refugees in Albania.
The December 19 ruling by Italy’s Supreme Court was an important victory for the government. The Court of Cassation confirmed that governments can decide which countries are safe for refugees, although judges can still look at individual cases. This ruling makes it easier for Italy to move forward with the transfers.
In recent months, the number of illegal immigrants arriving in Italy has decreased. According to Italian authorities, 65,000 immigrants arrived by sea in 2024, down from 153,000 in 2023. This suggests that Italy’s immigration policies, including the agreement with Albania, may be having an impact.
This agreement also reflects Albania’s growing role in Europe, as the country moves closer to EU membership. The Albanian government is becoming an important partner in managing migration across the region. However, there are still challenges ahead, as Italy will need to address both legal issues and concerns about the treatment of immigrants.
