Italy/Albania memorandum of understanding on migration
On 6 November 2023, Italy concluded an "agreement" with Albania with a view to relocating the processing of asylum applications for certain foreign nationals to the other side of its borders. The protocol, made public on 7 November, would apply to people intercepted or rescued at sea by Italian authorities, who could be disembarked in the Albanian coastal towns of Shëngjin and Gjader. Persons recognised as "vulnerable" would not be affected by this agreement.
By spring 2024, the agreement provides for the construction of two camps financed by Italy: one for assessing asylum applications, the other for "possible repatriations" (in other words, expulsions). Although the Italian Parliament was not consulted when the agreement was concluded, these structures would fall exclusively under Italian jurisdiction. In return for financial compensation and progress in the EU accession process, Albania is said to have agreed to "receive" 3,000 people a month on its territory and to play an active part in security and surveillance activities with its police forces.
| Full title | Italy/Albania memorandum of understanding on migration: cross-border cooperation that contravenes international law |
|---|---|
| Author | Migreurop |
| Publisher | Migreurop |
| Year | 2024 |
| Media type | Article |
| Link | https://migreurop.org/article3232.html?lang_article=en |
| Topics | Detention, Deportation & Pushbacks |
| Regions | Europe |