ROME — A migrant who had been intercepted in international waters and taken to an Albanian processing center has returned to Italy after being recognized as “vulnerable,” as reported by a group of Italian activists and lawmakers who visited the center on Saturday.
The individual, an Egyptian man, was found to have “psychic problems,” which led to the conclusion that he could not stay at the Gjadër reception facility, according to one of the activists. At present, only seven migrants remain at the Albanian center, comprising five from Bangladesh and two from Egypt.
This situation marks the second transfer of migrants since the establishment of two processing centers earlier in October, following an agreement between Italy and Albania. Human rights organizations and NGOs operating in the Mediterranean have voiced strong opposition to this arrangement, labeling it a hazardous precedent that contravenes international legal standards.
Under the terms of the agreement, Albania can accommodate up to 3,000 migrants each month who are intercepted by the Italian coast guard in international waters. These individuals are then evaluated for potential asylum in Italy or could be sent back to their home countries.
Italy has committed to accepting those migrants who receive asylum status, while those whose applications are denied may face deportation directly from Albania.
The first group of 16 migrants, hailing from Bangladesh and Egypt, was transferred to the Albanian center on October 16. Of this group, four were sent to Italy the same day due to being minors or having health concerns. Subsequently, on October 19, twelve others were sent back to Italy following a judgment by Rome judges, who ruled against their detention due to safety concerns in their home countries.
This court decision had the effect of narrowing the list of countries deemed “safe” under the law, thus enabling Rome to expedite the repatriation of migrants from certain nations who did not achieve asylum approval. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized the ruling, pointing out that labeling countries like Bangladesh and Egypt as unsafe could effectively exclude most migrants from participating in the Albania program.
On October 21, the far-right government in Italy sanctioned a new decree aimed at addressing these legal challenges that posed a threat to the contentious five-year migration agreement with Albania.
An upcoming decision from Rome judges concerning the detention status of the seven migrants currently in Albania is anticipated for Monday.