Italy’s "Albania Model" for Migrant Deportation Faces Overhaul Amid Legal Challenges
Introduction:
Italy’s far-right Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, has ordered a revision of her government’s "Albania Model" for the swift deportation of Mediterranean migrants, following a series of setbacks in court. The model, which involves setting up refugee camps in the non-EU country of Albania, has been under fire for its legality and effectiveness.
The "Albania Model":
The "Albania Model" was launched in September 2022, with the aim of establishing detention centers in Albania for migrants whose asylum applications had been rejected in Italy. The plan was for Italian officials to process asylum claims in Albania and expedite deportations.
Legal Challenges:
However, the plan has faced numerous legal challenges in Italian courts. Since October 2022, the courts have blocked the government’s attempts to transfer migrants to Albania on three separate occasions. Consequently, all 66 individuals who had been detained in Albania were brought back to Italy.
Government Response:
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi confirmed that the government is working on "solutions to overcome the obstacles encountered so far." He acknowledged that the camps in Shengjin and Gjader also provide facilities for "detention pending repatriation."
Resistance in Albania:
The Albanian government has expressed reservations about the use of its territory for such detention centers. There is concern about the potential humanitarian consequences and the implications for Albania’s relations with the EU.
Financial Burden:
The construction and operation costs of the camps are estimated to exceed €650 million. The camps have a capacity for over 1,200 migrants, but only adult males from what the Italian government deems safe countries of origin are eligible.
Legal Dispute:
A central issue in the legal dispute is determining which authority has the power to designate a country as a safe country of origin. Italy has been at the forefront of the Mediterranean migration crisis, with around 66,500 new arrivals in 2022, a significant decrease from previous years. The dangerous sea crossings have resulted in numerous fatalities.
European Implications:
The "Albania Model" has been closely watched by other European governments. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) is scheduled to deliberate on the model’s legality on February 25, 2023. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for future EU migration policies.
Conclusion:
The "Albania Model" remains a controversial and legally fraught initiative. While the Italian government seeks to revise the plan, the legality and effectiveness of such offshore detention centers will continue to be a subject of debate both within Italy and throughout the EU. The ECJ’s upcoming ruling will be a key moment in determining the future of this approach to Mediterranean migrant management.
