The European Court of Justice has ruled that asylum seekers cannot be subjected to fast-track procedures leading to repatriation if their home countries are considered unsafe.

On January 28, 2025, an Italian navy ship arrived in Shengjin, Albania, carrying 49 migrants for processing at asylum centers, marking a significant step in Italy's controversial immigration policy.

This transfer is the third attempt to process migrants in Albania, following unsuccessful efforts in late 2023 due to Italian court rulings that deemed the migrants' home countries unsafe.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's immigration policies are under scrutiny, with supporters viewing the initiative as a practical solution, while critics highlight the lack of a coordinated EU migration strategy.

Human rights organizations have condemned the agreement with Albania, arguing it undermines human rights and conflicts with international law.

Meloni has claimed strong support from other European leaders for the plan to process migrants outside EU borders in Albania, reflecting her commitment to managing immigration.

Critics in Italy argue that the program is costly, with estimates around 800 million euros, and ineffective as it addresses only a small portion of the annual migrant influx.

The outsourcing of housing for asylum seekers to Albania has garnered mixed reactions, with some countries supporting the deal amid high migrant arrivals, while human rights activists criticize it as a dangerous precedent.

The Italian government aims to deter future Mediterranean Sea crossings with this operation, which is part of a broader immigration policy aimed at deterrence.

The resumption of these transfers raises questions about Italy's management of migration and the implications for broader European migration policies.

Ilaria Salis, a European Parliament deputy, criticized the government's actions as disgraceful, stating that resources are being misused to protect the powerful rather than assisting vulnerable refugees.

To bypass the ECJ ruling, Meloni's government amended the law to allow the designation of safe countries, reducing the potential for legal challenges.