Gemma Higgins | 5 February 2024

Summary

• Albania's constitutional court approved an agreement allowing Italy to build processing centres in Albania for asylum seekers attempting to reach Italy, but it requires ratification by the Albanian parliament.

• The agreement entails detaining asylum seekers in these centres while their claims are reviewed, with Italy funding and overseeing operations, though it sparked initial opposition over constitutional and sovereignty concerns.

• Despite concerns raised by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and uncertainties about implementation timelines, the approval reflects a larger strategy by Italian Prime Minister Meloni to address immigration issues. 

On 29th January 2024, Albania’s constitutional court approved a migration deal with Italy, allowing asylum seekers attempting to reach Italy by sea to be detained in processing centres in Albania. The Italian government will build and operate these centres in northern Albania, with the asylum claims examined under Italian law. The deal, likely to pass the Albanian parliament, has sparked controversy and concerns over human rights violations. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama's commanding majority establishes a high likelihood of the deal passing Albania's legislative process. The proposal, proposed by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who campaigned on a staunch anti-immigration platform, aims to tackle the issue of illegal immigration. Despite reservations voiced by both the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Albanian opposition, the constitutional court upheld the agreement's legality. Italy's parliament's approval of the deal highlights a strategic alignment with Meloni's immigration policies. 

The approval of the migration deal between Albania and Italy carries significant implications. Firstly, there is worry that the migration deal between Albania and Italy could lead to political fallout, legal uncertainties, and challenging living conditions for asylum seekers, resulting in the detained individuals experiencing increased vulnerability as they become exposed to unfamiliar legal systems and uncertain outcomes for their asylum claims. Moreover, the migration deal's international implementation is already facing close international scrutiny from human rights organisations, which could lead to diplomatic tensions. Additionally, the agreement's outcomes could impact the political sphere in Italy and strain the historically close relationship between Albania and Italy. 

Forecast

Short-term: 

• The approval process for the deal is currently progressing smoothly. 

• Operational centers expected to be established by spring 2024. 

• International oversight resulting in calls for improved treatment of asylum seekers. 

Long-term: 

• Developments surrounding the agreement influencing the dynamics of domestic politics, notably concerning the shaping of future policies and political landscapes of Albanian and Italian immigration.