Albania Court ruling: Italy must take in migrants
A court ruling forces Italy to take in migrants, calling into question the Meloni government's asylum policy. The controversial practice of processing asylum applications outside the EU is once again in the spotlight.
11.11.2024, 18:51
SDA
A court ruling has thwarted the plans of the Italian government under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to process asylum applications from Mediterranean refugees outside the EU. The detention of seven migrants from Egypt and Bangladesh in an Albanian camp has been overturned, meaning the men are expected to arrive in Italy soon. The decision represents another defeat for Meloni, who had campaigned for the controversial "Albania model".
The migrants were stopped by the Italian navy near Lampedusa last week and taken to Albania for a decision on their asylum applications. Although some applications were rejected, the judiciary stopped the repatriation. Regardless of this, hundreds of refugees continue to reach Italy every week after dangerous crossings across the Mediterranean.
The controversial "Albania model"
Meloni's plan to process asylum applications in Albania has been met with criticism, both within Italy and internationally. Although some European countries are considering the model, it remains controversial. The Italian government had hoped to process up to 36,000 applications a year in Albania. However, the camps are mostly empty and an earlier attempt to speed up asylum procedures there failed back in October.
Legal dispute over safe countries of origin
The Italian government has drawn up a list of 19 supposedly safe countries of origin, including Egypt and Bangladesh. However, the European Court of Justice has clarified that a country is only considered safe if there is no threat of persecution. This decision has led to a conflict between the government and the judiciary. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini sharply criticized the courts and described the rulings as politically motivated.
Costs and criticism
Italy has long been a major destination for refugees crossing the Mediterranean. Despite a decline, over 50,000 people have already arrived this year. Meloni had promised to reduce irregular immigration, but the "Albania model" has been criticized by the opposition as expensive and ineffective. The cost per refugee is said to be 20,000 euros, which is now also being reviewed by the Court of Auditors. The debate on asylum policy remains tense while the government continues to search for solutions.
