STORY: :: Two Albanian centers for migrants sent from Italy open their doors
:: October 11, 2024
:: The centers are part of a deal which will see irregular migrants arriving in Italy processed in Albania
:: Gjader, Albania
:: Shengjin, Albania
The deal is the first example of a non-EU country accepting migrants on behalf of an EU nation and has drawn the interest of other Western nations seeking to discourage the growing numbers of migrants arriving from Africa, the Middle East and beyond.
An Italian official who spoke on condition of anonymity said the centers were “operational” and ready to begin accepting migrants.
The 2023 deal with Albania stipulates that irregular migrants arriving in Italy will be taken by boat to the port town of Shengjin, where they will be identified and their applications for asylum processed.
They will then be driven a short distance inland to the small town of Gjader, where they will be accommodated.
Around 500 Italian personnel including prison guards, police, soldiers and Carabinieri will be based in both camps.
