Italy to open 2 migration centers in Albania to host up to thousands annually

ATHENS

Italy on Monday announced plans to open two migration centers in Albania to host up to 36,000 irregular migrants annually.

The aim of the move is to better manage irregular migration flows into the country, stressed Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, speaking at a joint news conference with her visiting Albanian counterpart Edi Rama after the two countries inked the deal.

The centers, scheduled to be operational by spring 2024, will be subject to Italian jurisdiction, while Albania will be responsible for their external surveillance, she added, noting that they would host minors, pregnant women, and vulnerable individuals.

"This agreement is of European scope, it shows that it is possible to collaborate in the management of (migration) flows. Albania confirms itself as a friendly nation and although it is not yet part of the union it behaves as if it were a member country," Meloni said.

According to the state-run ANSA news agency, the agreement does not apply to immigrants arriving on Italian coasts and territory but to those rescued in the Mediterranean by Italian vessels.

Italy will handle the disembarkation and identification procedures and establish a primary reception and screening center in Albania's northern port city of Shengjin. Additionally, they will set up another center in the city of Gjader for subsequent procedures.