Controversial Italian migrant centres in Albania ‘ready’

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AFP – Controversial camps set up in Albania to house migrants rescued in Italian waters are ready to start functioning, the Italian ambassador in Tirana said.

The deal, signed in November by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Albanian counterpart Edi Rama, was sharply criticised by rights groups.

They say it is illegal under international law, warning that Albania, a non-European Union (EU) country offers limited protection for asylum seekers.

“Everything is ready to take in migrants” in two Italy-run holding centres, Fabrizio Bucci told AFP during a visit to the facilities.

“As of today, all the structures are functional,” he added.

The migrants deemed the most vulnerable – like women and children – are due to be taken to Italy, with the rest sent back to the centre in the northern Albanian port of Shengjin.

Once being registered there, they will be taken to another centre at a nearby former military base in Gjader, while they wait for their claims to be processed. Around 10 Italian judges will oversee hearings with asylum seekers in Albania, according to Italian media reports.

The site of a recently build Italian-run migrant centre at the port of Shengjin. PHOTO: AFP
An Italian police officer walks inside the centre. PHOTO: AFP