Migrants and security officials walk next to the European Union flag and Italian flag as they disembark from the Italian navy ship Libra that arrived in Albania as part of a deal with Italy to process thousands of asylum-seekers caught near Italian waters, in Shengjin, Albania, October 16, 2024. REUTERS/Florion Goga
SHENGJIN, Albania (Reuters) -A ship carrying the first group of migrants to be processed in Albania under a deal with Italy arrived in the port of Shengjin on Wednesday morning, setting in motion Rome's controversial plan to process thousands of asylum seekers abroad.
Italy has built two reception centres in Albania, in the first scheme by a European Union nation to divert migrants to a non-EU country. The plan aims to deter irregular arrivals to Italy, but has been criticised by rights groups who say it restricts migrants' right to asylum.
Uh-oh! Daily quota reached.
