Italy's cabinet has approved a bill that allows for maritime blockades to prevent migrant boats from reaching its shores during times of 'exceptional pressure' on the country's borders.
In a significant move in its immigration policy, the Italian Cabinet approved a new bill on Wednesday that grants authorities the power to impose maritime blockades on migrant boats. This measure is intended to deter illegal immigration and comes in response to increased pressure on Italian borders, particularly due to rising numbers of migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea. The bill will now proceed to parliament for further discussion before it can take effect.
The law states that maritime authorities can prohibit ships from entering Italian waters for up to 30 days if the vessels are deemed to pose serious threats to public order or national security. Such threats could include credible risks of terrorist activities or the infiltration of terrorists. Additionally, the blockade can be extended for up to six months in cases of significant influxes of migrants that threaten the safe management of Italy's borders.
Anyone who violates these regulations could face fines of up to 50,000 euros (approximately 60,000 USD), and repeated offenses could result in the confiscation of vessels. This strict enforcement highlights Italy's intensified stance on immigration control and illustrates the ongoing debate within Europe on how to handle the crisis of irregular migration across the Mediterranean Sea.
