The Italian government, led by Giorgia Meloni, has proposed an amendment to its migration flow decree, aiming to shift decision-making authority on migrant detention in Albania from Rome’s migration judges to the Court of Appeals. This move seeks to bolster the controversial plan to process non-vulnerable asylum seekers in Albania.
The amendment comes after a second group of migrants sent to Albania was returned to Italy, raising concerns about the plan’s viability. Government officials insist the amendment is a procedural adjustment, not a policy shift, and remains key to deterring migrant departures.
Critics, including opposition politicians and judicial organizations, argue the amendment undermines judicial independence and risks creating legal bottlenecks. The National Magistrates Association warned it could delay asylum decisions, prolonging migrants stays in Italy.
The decree will be debated in Parliament on November 26 and requires Senate approval. As legal challenges persist, the plan’s future remains uncertain.
