Italy has initiated the transfer of the first group of migrants to Albania, marking the commencement of a controversial strategy to process numerous asylum-seekers outside its borders. A naval ship set sail from the island of Lampedusa carrying 16 men, 10 from Bangladesh and six from Egypt, who were rescued at sea following their departure from Libya. The vessel is anticipated to reach its destination on Wednesday morning, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the Interior Ministry.
The far-right government led by Premier Giorgia Meloni recently inaugurated two centers in Albania, where Italy intends to handle the asylum requests of male migrants intercepted in international waters while attempting to cross into Europe. Initially capable of housing up to 400 migrants, the capacity is projected to expand to 880 in the coming weeks, as per Italian authorities.
