Italy has taken a controversial step in its efforts to stem the flow of migrants arriving on its shores from North Africa. In a European first, Italy has begun transferring intercepted migrants to centres in Albania. The first group of migrants, consisting of 10 individuals from Bangladesh and six from Egypt, were rescued by Italian authorities in international waters on Sunday. The two boats carrying the migrants had departed from Libya near Tripoli.
The decision to transfer migrants to Albania has sparked criticism from human rights groups. Italy’s far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who took office in October 2022, had campaigned on a promise to crack down on illegal immigration.
This move comes amid ongoing debates and discussions over Europe’s handling of the migrant crisis. The European Union has faced criticism for its lack of cohesive and comprehensive approach to dealing with the influx of migrants crossing the Mediterranean in search of safety and better opportunities.
FRANCE 24’s Seema Gupta reported from Rome on the transfer of the first group of migrants to Albania. The development marks a significant shift in Italian policy towards managing the migrant crisis.
Italy’s decision to transfer migrants to Albania signals a new approach to addressing the challenges posed by illegal immigration. The move is likely to continue to generate debate and discussion within European and international circles on how best to handle the ongoing migrant crisis in the Mediterranean region.
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Video “Italy begins migrant transfers to Albania with first group of 16 • FRANCE 24 English” was uploaded on 10/15/2024 to Youtube Channel FRANCE 24 English