2nd group of irregular migrants from Italy arrives in Albania under new relocation scheme

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) – The second group of irregular migrants sent by Italy arrived in the Albanian port city of Shengjin on Friday.

The group of eight irregular migrants, rescued at sea recently, arrived in Shengjin by an Italian Navy ship, will first undergo health checks before being transferred to Italian-managed facilities in Albania, the Italian news agency ANSA reported, adding that they will stay until their asylum claims are processed.

The Albanian authorities have not yet made a statement regarding the arrival of the second batch of irregular migrants.

The relocation is part of a recent initiative by Italy's Interior Ministry to deal with irregular migrant arrivals. In early October, two migrant reception centers opened in Shengjin and Gjiader to prepare for incoming groups.

Human rights organizations have strongly reacted and rejected the Italian government’s initiative.

Amnesty International and other advocacy groups condemned the Italy-Albania deal in January, calling it "unworkable, harmful, and unlawful," and urging lawmakers to reject it.

The Italian scheme has drawn comparisons to the UK’s controversial plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, which has faced legal challenges and widespread criticism.

The first group of migrants relocated from Italy arrived in Albania on Oct 16.