SHNGJIN: Controversial camps set up in Albania to house migrants rescued in Italian waters are ready to start functioning, the Italian ambassador in Tirana said on Friday.
The deal, signed in November by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Albanian counterpart Edi Rama, was sharply criticised by rights groups.
They say it is illegal under international law, warning that Albania, a non-EU country offers limited protection for asylum seekers.
“Everything is ready to take in migrants” in two Italy-run holding centres, Fabrizio Bucci said during a visit to the facilities. “As of today, all the structures are functional,” he added.
The migrants deemed the most vulnerable — like women and children — are due to be taken to Italy, with the rest sent back to the centre in the northern Albanian port of Shengjin.
Once being registered there, they will be taken to another centre at a nearby former military base in Gjader, while they wait for their claims to be processed.
Around 10 Italian judges will oversee hearings with asylum seekers in Albania, according to Italian media reports. Processing of asylum applications could take up to four weeks, according to an Italian source familiar with the issue that requested to remain anonymous.
Published in Dawn, October 12th, 2024
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