Italy delivers the first migrants to Albania under a new agreement

SHENGJIN, Albania –

A ship carrying the first group of migrants to be processed in Albania under a deal with Italy arrived at the port of Shengjin on Wednesday morning, setting in motion Rome’s controversial plan to process thousands of asylum seekers abroad.

Italy has built two reception centers in Albania, in the first move by an EU country to redirect migrants to a non-EU country. The plan aims to deter irregular arrivals in Italy but has been criticized by human rights groups who say it limits migrants’ right to asylum.

The Libra, an Italian navy ship, docked in Shengjin, Reuters footage showed. Sixteen migrants were escorted to a newly constructed processing center at the port, surrounded by a high metal fence and decorated with Italian and EU flags.

Rising tensions in Europe over migration issues have led many EU states, including Germany and Poland, to propose or adopt tougher measures. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said this week that her country was setting an example for the rest of Europe with the Albanian plan.

On Wednesday, a small group of demonstrators gathered at the harbor. “The European dream ends here,” read one banner.

“These immigrants who have endured long and dangerous journeys to reach Europe are now being redirected to Albania so that they can return to their home countries… It is coming to an end for us.” [the concept of] “Europe as a place of democracy, values ​​and human rights,” said Arilda Lleshi, an Albanian human rights activist.

The group of migrants brought to Albania consisted of 10 Bangladeshis and six Egyptians who were picked up at sea on Sunday aboard boats that had sailed from Libya.

After processing in Shengjin, they are taken inland to the village of Gjader, a 15-minute drive away, where they will be housed until their paperwork is completed.

They will then be sent to Italy if their asylum application is approved, or to their home country if their asylum application is rejected.

The facilities in Shengjin and Gjader will be staffed by Italian staff. According to the agreement, the total number of migrants staying in Albania at any one time cannot exceed 3,000.

Italy has said that only “not at risk” men from countries deemed safe would be sent to Albania, up to a maximum of 36,000 migrants per year.

There are currently 21 such nations on the Italian list. Last year, 56,588 migrants arrived in Italy from just four countries: Bangladesh, Egypt, Ivory Coast and Tunisia. Most escape from reception centers and head to wealthier northern Europe.