An Italian coastguard ship picked up migrants from Albanian reception centers moving them to Italy on 10/18/2024. This action came after a court ruling that shook up Romes strategy to keep asylum-seekers outside the European Union.
The Italian government stated on 10/17/2024 its going to appeal the legal verdict which said migrants in Albanian centers should be brought to Italy. A cabinet meeting is set for 10/21/2024 to talk about the governments next steps.
Initially‚ there were 16 migrants taken to Albania by an Italian navy vessel earlier that week. Four of them were already moved to Italy because of health issues or being under-age. The court said the remaining 12 migrants in Albanias Gjader facility had to go back to Italy as their home countries (Egypt and Bangladesh) werent seen as safe.
The coastguard ship got to Bari a southern Italian port city‚ around 1 p.m. GMT on 10/18/2024. The migrants got off and were taken to a reception place.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi told reporters on 10/17/2024 he thinks the court decision will be changed. He said the government would take its appeal all the way to the Supreme Court if needed.
Only migrants from 22 countries Italy says are safe can be sent to Albania. Egypt and Bangladesh are on this list but a recent European Court of Justice ruling made it not possible to keep them in Albania‚ the Rome court said. It added that they had “a right to be brought to Italy“.
Giorgia Meloni Italys Prime Minister‚ while in Lebanon‚ called the decision “prejudiced“. She said its up to her government to decide which countries are safe or not hinting at making new rules for this issue.
People in Shengjin the Albanian port where the migrants were picked up by the Italian coast guard early on 10/18/2024‚ were caught off guard by their quick exit.
They left already? Im sorry for them. They are doing this sacrifice for a better life. We have done the same
The governments move to appeal and the Prime Ministers strong words show this issue isnt over yet