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On August 1, a reception center for migrants rescued at sea in Gjader, Albania, is expected to open, but it is not expected to be operational until several weeks later.
Work on the other centre, in Shengjin, has been completed, but in Ghadir, work is still ongoing and it is not clear when it will be operational. Both centres are planned to open simultaneously.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meroni announced in June during her inspection of the Shengjin Immigration Reception Center that the center will open on August 1.
The two centers were created as part of an agreement signed by Italy and Albania last November to curb migration.
The Italian ambassador to Tirana, Fabrizio Bucci, was at the two migrant centers on Monday. He explained to reporters that the delays were due to the high temperatures. The ambassador stressed that the center would also be operational in a few weeks, but said he could not give an exact date.
“The heat wave in July forced the authorities to close for a few hours during the hottest part of the day. Our main concern is the safety and protection of workers at the construction site and of course the migrants who will take refuge in Ghadir. It is difficult to put a date on it, it is in the order of a few weeks,” said Bucci.
He added that the two centers will operate in parallel and that Italian staff are ready to start work.
“The Shengjin center is fully ready. However, the two centers will operate in parallel. When you arrive in Shengjin, you first go through the formalities, and then here is the accommodation. Police, carabinieri, financial guards, Ministry of Justice personnel, doctors and nurses have arrived from Italy. There are about hundreds of people,” said the Italian ambassador.
During the inspection in Ghader, it was found that the containers had been placed, while heavy machinery such as cranes or trucks were still working to complete all the works. In the center, in addition to the accommodation area where the (bunk) beds are placed, there are several other buildings where the services of the migrants will be organized. It involves the preparation of food, structures for the provision of services and medical care, and special structures for the maintenance of order and security.
Both centers will be staffed by Italian staff and operate under Italian jurisdiction. External security, however, will be provided by Albanian guards. Under the agreement, it is expected to initially accommodate around 3,000 people, while the influx could reach 36,000 after a year.
The entry of migrants into Albanian territorial waters and territory will be conducted exclusively through Italian authorities.
“The competent Albanian authorities allow migrants to enter and stay in the Albanian territory for the strictly necessary time established by Italian and European legislation for the sole purpose of carrying out border or repatriation procedures,” the agreement was announced by the Albanian government.
It is important to emphasize that the Italian authorities will cover all costs necessary for the accommodation and treatment of migrants, including food, medical care and any other necessary services, taking care that such treatment respects fundamental human rights and freedoms, in accordance with international law.
According to the agreement, Italy will finance all hospital care services, as well as equipment such as vehicles and fuel, and legal fees. At the same time, Albania will facilitate Italian personnel who will work in Albania, who will not be required to equip themselves with visas, residence permits and other requirements required by Albanian immigration legislation. /rel
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