Italy’s controversial plan to send asylum seekers to Albania will begin operating in October, after facing weeks of delay and widespread criticism, Bloomberg reports.
A high-ranking Italian official within Giorgia Meloni’s administration confirmed to the news agency on Friday that two centers built in Albania to house migrants will be operational next month. These centers, each projected to accommodate hundreds of asylum seekers, will be run by Italian authorities as part of the agreement between the two countries.
The arrangement, first announced earlier this year, has been met with delays and condemnation from human rights groups and opposition figures who argue it violates international law and undermines the rights of asylum seekers. Despite the criticism, the initiative has also attracted interest from other governments seeking alternative solutions to managing irregular migration.
The launch of the plan marks a significant step in Italy’s efforts to tackle the influx of migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea. The Italian government has made stemming illegal migration a key priority, implementing stricter border controls and promoting agreements with other countries to share the responsibility of managing asylum seekers.
However, the initiative has been criticized for its potential to exacerbate existing tensions within the European Union and raise concerns about the ethical treatment of vulnerable individuals seeking refuge.
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