The Italian government has built centers in Albania to host migrants rescued in the Mediterranean, following an agreement between the two countries. The centers are prepared to accommodate up to 400 male migrants who have been rescued by Italian ships, with facilities such as interpreters, medical visits, and assistance in applying for asylum. The main section of the center is for asylum seekers, who will have their requests processed within 28 days according to Italian law. Those not eligible for asylum will be transferred to another part of the camp, with a prison section for migrants who commit crimes.
Asylum seekers whose requests are accepted will be transferred to Italy with a residence permit, while those who are denied will be repatriated at Italy’s expense. The entire center in Gjadër is monitored by Italian police officers and serves as a place of forced detention. The facilities have been equipped to handle the needs of migrants during their stay, with the capacity to house dozens of people, with the option of transferring migrants to Italy if capacity is exceeded.
The cost of building these structures and the overall expenses for procedures during the five-year agreement period between Italy and Albania is estimated to amount to tens of millions of euros. The centers have been established to efficiently process asylum applications and handle the needs of migrants who have been rescued at sea. The agreement between the two countries allows for a streamlined process for asylum applications within a specific time frame to ensure proper assessment. This initiative underscores Italy’s commitment to managing the influx of migrants and ensuring proper procedures are followed.
The centers in Albania represent a collaborative effort between Italy and Albania to address the challenges posed by the arrival of migrants in the Mediterranean. By providing adequate facilities and services, the centers aim to ensure that asylum seekers receive the necessary support during the processing of their applications. The establishment of a prison section for migrants who commit crimes reflects efforts to maintain security within the center while upholding legal standards for the treatment of migrants.
Despite the significant investment in these facilities, authorities have not provided a specific breakdown of the costs associated with the procedures for the duration of the agreement. The continued support and coordination between Italy and Albania are crucial in managing migration flows and ensuring the welfare of migrants in a humane and lawful manner. The centers in Albania serve as a model for cooperation and effective management of migration issues, highlighting the importance of partnerships between countries in addressing complex challenges such as asylum processing and migrant reception.
