Feb 11 • 19:43 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

Meloni revives deportations of migrants to Albania and the possibility of blocking rescue ships

The Italian government under Giorgia Meloni has revived deportations of migrants to Albania and is considering measures to block rescue ships from entering its territorial waters.

The Italian government, led by the far-right Giorgia Meloni, has taken significant steps to tighten immigration controls by resuming deportations of migrants to Albania. This decision comes alongside the adoption of new European regulations that limit the right to asylum and allow the relocation of migrants to third-party countries deemed safe. The initiative is part of a broader strategy by Meloni's administration to curb what it perceives as excessive migration pressures, which it blames on a lack of stringent border enforcement across Europe.

In a recent legislative move, the government has put forth a law that enables a naval blockade for a duration of one to six months. This blockade would prevent various vessels, especially those of NGOs conducting rescue operations at sea, from entering Italian waters. The government claims this measure is necessary to address several pressing issues such as heightened migration flows, public order challenges, and potential security threats, including terrorism. Critics argue that such policies endanger lives and violate international treaties concerning refugee rights.

The implications of this legislation are profound, as it signals a shift in Italy's approach to migration, moving towards stricter enforcement and potential violations of humanitarian principles. This policy could also impact relations with other European nations facing similar migration issues and may lead to increased tensions among EU member states over their responsibilities in dealing with migrant crises. As Meloni's government pushes forward with this agenda, Italy's role in shaping Europe's migration policies will be closely scrutinized, revealing the stark divisions within the EU regarding handling migration and asylum seekers.

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