The Italian government, under the leadership of Premier Giorgia Meloni, has initiated a contentious policy of transferring rejected asylum-seekers to detention centers in Albania. This policy marks a significant departure from traditional EU migration practices, as it involves deporting migrants to a non-EU country that is neither their origin nor a transit state. A military ship departed from Italy's Brindisi port, transporting 40 migrants to the Albanian port of Shengjin, where they were subsequently moved to Italian-run centers in Shengjin and Gjader.

This unprecedented move has sparked a significant debate across Europe. Italian authorities maintain that the decision is in line with the government's broader strategy to tackle illegal immigration, a central theme of Meloni's administration. The centers in Shengjin and Gjader, originally built to expedite asylum processing, have stood largely inactive due to legal challenges. The Italian courts have previously thwarted attempts to use these facilities for this purpose, returning small groups of migrants to Italy. However, the recent decree by Meloni's government expands their use to include holding rejected asylum-seekers with deportation orders.

Critics, including migration experts and human rights organizations, have raised substantial legal and ethical concerns. Many argue that transferring migrants to Albania could breach international and EU law. Meghan Benton of the Migration Policy Institute believes the legality of Italy's actions will likely face judicial scrutiny. Furthermore, Francesco Ferri from Action Aid highlights the absence of legal frameworks allowing direct deportation from Albania, casting doubt on the transfer's ultimate goal. Despite such concerns, the November 2023 agreement between Italy and Albania envisages accommodating up to 3,000 migrants intercepted by the Italian coast guard monthly, with arrangements for possible asylum in Italy or repatriation.

The issue has brought European legal norms and immigration policies into question. EU countries, such as the Netherlands, are reportedly observing Italy's experiment with interest as they consider establishing similar arrangements in other third countries. However, this strategy is not without criticism. The transfer of migrants in handcuffs, as reported by the Italian media, has drawn severe criticism, notably from Cecilia Strada, a European parliament member, and other human rights advocates.

Domestically, responses to the policy are divided along political lines. Matteo Salvini, a leading right-wing figure, dismissed the criticism, underscoring legal and operational justifications. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi defended the procedural handling and the transportation methods used during the transfers, citing cost and security considerations. He noted that among the transferred migrants, some had convictions for serious offenses, justifying enhanced security measures.

The Italian strategy has broader implications for EU migration dynamics, particularly regarding handling asylum seekers and establishing 'return hubs' in non-EU nations. This proposal by the EU Commission, if actualized, could introduce a controversial dimension to EU immigration policy. The European Court of Justice is expected to review these practices, especially in light of existing EU laws concerning safe countries and deportation procedures.

The situation remains dynamic, with the Italian government adamantly pursuing its course despite judicial and public opposition. The ongoing tensions highlight fundamental disagreements about the balance between national sovereignty, responsibility sharing among EU states, and upholding international human rights standards. As these developments unfold, the resolution of Italy's migrant policy and its reception among European partners could significantly impact the future trajectory of EU immigration policies and inter-state cooperation.