TIRANA, Albania — On Tuesday, Albania’s Prime Minister announced that the country has declined numerous requests from various European Union nations to accommodate thousands of asylum-seekers, yet has made a notable exception for Italy.
An Italian navy vessel is set to dock at the port of Shengjin, Albania, carrying the first group of 16 migrants who were intercepted in international waters. These individuals will have their asylum applications processed at two designated centers in Albania, rather than in Italy, a decision made under a five-year agreement established between the two nations.
While attending an EU conference in Luxembourg, Prime Minister Rama emphasized that no other country will be permitted to operate asylum centers in Albania. He elaborated that this decision is an expression of gratitude for Italy’s support of Albanian citizens, particularly during significant historical moments, such as the welcome extended to thousands during the collapse of communism in 1991, and Italy’s assistance during Albania’s economic crisis in 1997 and after the earthquake in 2019.
The Italian naval ship, Libra, departed from Lampedusa, Italy, on Monday with 16 migrants onboard; 10 are from Bangladesh and six from Egypt, rescued at sea after they left Libya, as reported by the Italian authorities. The flow of migrants arriving in Italy via the central Mediterranean route from North Africa has decreased by 61% this year compared to the previous year. As of October 11, the Italian Interior Ministry noted that 52,425 migrants had come to Italy by sea in 2024, a significant drop from the 138,947 recorded during the same period last year.
According to a five-year agreement signed last November between Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni and Prime Minister Rama, Albania is set to shelter up to 3,000 migrants each month who are rescued by the Italian coast guard in international waters. These migrants will undergo an initial screening on the ships before being sent to Albania for comprehensive processing.
The first screening center is located in Shengjin, which is approximately 66 kilometers (40 miles) northwest of Tirana, while another facility is situated about 22 kilometers (14 miles) east near the former military airport in Gjader. This second center will house migrants during their asylum processes. Those who successfully secure asylum will be welcomed into Italy, while individuals whose applications are denied could face deportation directly from Albania.
This agreement, which has been deemed controversial by some for outsourcing the reception of asylum-seekers to a non-EU member state, has gained support from several countries, including Italy, which is currently managing a substantial influx of refugees.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has praised the agreement, calling it a prime example of “out-of-box thinking” in addressing migration challenges within the EU. However, numerous human rights organizations have criticized it, arguing that it sets a troubling precedent.
Premier Meloni and her right-wing allies have long sought greater responsibility-sharing among European nations regarding migration. She promotes the agreement with Albania as an innovative strategy to tackle a persistent issue faced by the EU for years.