Italy Opens First Migrant Camp in Albania as Part of “Offshoring” Scheme
Italy, known for receiving the most migrant arrivals in the European Union, has taken a new approach to address the challenge of irregular migration by partially outsourcing the issue to neighboring Albania. The first of two planned camps has opened in the northern Albanian port of Shengjin, with the second center on a former air force base in nearby Gjader facing delays.
These camps, funded and managed entirely by the Italian government, will house up to 3000 migrants per month who have been rescued en route to Italy. The goal is to reduce the burden on Italy and deter some migrants from attempting the dangerous journey.
While the camps will be used for migrants picked up in international waters, certain groups such as women, children, and vulnerable individuals will not be sent to Albania. Those who arrive will have the opportunity to request asylum in Italy, with those refused being sent back to safe countries.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who campaigned on a promise to crack down on migration, sees the Albania plan as a key part of her strategy. However, the hefty price tag of over €650m (£547) has drawn criticism from opposition politicians and human rights groups.
Despite the controversy, Italian Ambassador Fabrizio Bucci believes the initiative could set a new precedent for managing migration in Europe. The five-year agreement between Italy and Albania, with the option to extend, has garnered support from other EU members and drawn comparisons to previous deportation plans.
For Albania, the deal offers a boost to its image as it seeks European Union membership. While some have raised concerns about the motives behind the agreement, others see it as a pragmatic solution to a complex issue.
As the first migrants begin to arrive at the camp in Albania, the success of this “offshoring” scheme will be closely watched to see if it can provide a viable alternative to the current challenges of irregular migration in Europe.
