Italy and Albania Sign Agreement to Shelter Mediterranean-Rescued Migrants

 Italy and Albania have recently signed an agreement to address the issue of migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean. The pact, which was signed on November 6th during an unexpected visit to Rome by Albania's Prime Minister, Edi Rama, aims to create centers in Albania to accommodate migrants rescued in the Mediterranean.

 The Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, and that of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, after signing the agreement on housing immigrants. Rome, November 6, 2023.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who was joined by Prime Minister Rama at a joint press conference, announced that the migrants would disembark in Shëngjin, located on the coast near Lezhë. From there, they will be relocated to areas provided by Albanian authorities.

"We are initially talking about a number of 3,000 people, and in a year, the immigrant flow could reach up to 36,000 individuals. This agreement does not include minors, pregnant women, and other vulnerable groups," clarified Meloni.

Italy has agreed to cover the financial expenses, and in Shëngjin, a center will be established for the registration and verification of migrants. Additionally, Albania will offer several areas for this purpose. According to Italian media reports, following verification, migrants will be accommodated in a dedicated center in Gjadër, Lezhë.

Both Prime Ministers declared that the agreement has three main objectives: combating illegal trafficking, preventing irregular flows, and providing refuge to those with a legitimate right to protection.

Prime Minister Edi Rama revealed that discussions about the possibility of signing this agreement took place during the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's visit to southern Albania earlier this year. The implementation of the agreement is expected to commence in the spring of the coming year.

"I don't believe that we will be unable to repay the debt we owe to Italy for what they have done for us since the day we reached this side of the sea. If Italy calls, Albania answers," said Rama.

Under the request of the United States, Albania has already provided shelter to approximately 2,500 Iranians, members of the People's Mujahedin of Iran Organization, who are currently located in a camp in Manzë, Durrës. Moreover, nearly 2,000 Afghans have sought refuge in Albania, with some having since relocated to the United States,
while hundreds remain in Shëngjin.