Italy's Controversial Migrant Centers in Albania Face Delays

Italian officials confirm delays in the opening of new migrant processing centers in Albania due to construction setbacks, particularly at the Gjader site. The agreement, criticized by human rights groups, aims to process adult male migrants rescued at sea in Albania instead of Italy.

Italian officials have confirmed that the opening of the controversial new migrant processing centers in Albania will be delayed for several more weeks because of construction setbacks.

Cabinet undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano attributed the delay, particularly at the Gjader site, to hot weather, which has caused work pauses during the hottest times of the day. The other center in In Shengjin has been ready since May.

An Italian interior ministry spokesman affirmed Mantovano's projection of a weekslong delay, initially stated on July 24, remains accurate.

Premier Giorgia Meloni and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama signed the controversial agreement last year. Under the accord, some adult male migrants rescued at sea while attempting to reach Italy would be taken to Albania for asylum processing. Although these migrants retain their right to apply for asylum in Italy, their movement in and out of the Albanian centers will be restricted.

The agreement has received both endorsements and criticism. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called it "out-of-box thinking," but Amnesty International condemned it, foreseeing arbitrary detentions and misuse of funds that could better reinforce Italy's own migrant processing infrastructure.

"It is shameful that, despite all the criticism and concerns raised by human rights organizations, the Italian government has decided to go ahead with this agreement," Eve Geddie, director of Amnesty's European institutions office, said in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies.)