The Italian government has approved a new decree that includes measures to expand the migrant repatriation center in the Albanian city of Gjader, as well as restrictions on obtaining citizenship by descent.
The migration center in Gjader will now be part of Italy’s national network of repatriation centers (CPR). The number of places will be increased to 144, and the facility will start accommodating undocumented migrants sent from Italy.
However, the center’s original function—accelerated border procedures before deportation—has not yet been reinstated. The final decision depends on the European Court, which is expected to issue a ruling in the coming months.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi stated that transferring migrants to Albania would allow for the “immediate activation of the center” and would eventually help resume expedited deportation procedures.
The Italian authorities have also tightened the Jus Sanguinis (“right of blood”) citizenship law. Previously, anyone who could prove kinship with an Italian ancestor dating back to 1861 was eligible for citizenship. Under the new rules, only those with at least one parent or grandparent born in Italy will automatically be considered Italian citizens.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani explained the reform as necessary to “maintain a real connection between Italy and its citizens.” He also criticized the widespread naturalization under Jus Sanguinis, calling it the “commercialization of Italian passports.”
According to official data, the number of Italians living abroad has increased by 40% over the past decade, reaching 6.4 million people. Under the old laws, an estimated 60–80 million people worldwide could have been eligible for Italian citizenship—more than Italy’s current population of about 59 million.
The new regulations are expected to help limit the influx of foreign nationals and strengthen control over the country’s migration policy.
