In a turn of events‚ an Italian coastguard ship arrived at the Albanian port of Shengjin on 10/14/24 to collect migrants from reception centers. This action followed a court ruling that dealt a setback to Romes plans for housing migrants outside the European Union.
The Italian government‚ led by Giorgia Meloni‚ announced its intention to appeal the legal decision. A cabinet meeting was scheduled for 10/16/24 to discuss the governments response. The ruling stated that migrants held in Albania should be returned to Italy‚ as their countries of origin (Egypt and Bangladesh) couldnt be considered safe.
Originally‚ 16 migrants were taken to Albania; however four were already brought back to Italy due to health reasons or because they were minors. The remaining 12 were held at the new Albanian facility in Gjader.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi expressed confidence that the decision would be overturned saying‚ “We will take our appeal right up to the Supreme Court if necessary“. He emphasized that only migrants from 22 nations classified as safe by Italy can be sent to Albania.
Meloni‚ while visiting Lebanon‚ called the decision “prejudiced“. She suggested that its up to her government to determine which countries are safe and which are not hinting at plans to draft new rules to address the issue.
In Shengjin‚ locals were surprised by the migrants sudden departure. A coffee shop owner remarked‚ “They left already? Im sorry for them They are doing this sacrifice for a better life. We have done the same“
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges in managing migration flows and the complex legal landscape surrounding asylum policies in the European Union