On Friday, an Italian naval vessel carrying eight people rescued near Lampedusa arrived at Albania’s port of Shengjin. This marks the second group of migrants brought to the city under a new agreement between Italy and Albania.
The deal allows migrants intercepted by Italy’s coast guard to be accommodated in two Albanian reception centers, with a limit of 3,000 individuals at a time. Italian personnel are overseeing the facilities, where the migrants are evaluated for possible asylum in Italy. Those not qualifying are to be sent back to their home countries.
Last month, the first group of 16 migrants transferred to Albania were all relocated to Italy within days. Four were moved due to age or health concerns, while the remaining 12 were transferred after a Rome court found that their home countries were not considered “safe” under EU standards, preventing fast-track processing in Albania.
The agreement between Rome and Tirana has faced strong criticism from human rights advocates, who warn it could set a troubling precedent.
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