Italy Withdraws Staff from Albanian Asylum Centers

The Italian government is withdrawing most of its staff from asylum processing centers in Albania after just two months of operation, following legal challenges that have left the centers nearly empty. Designed to process asylum seekers outside of EU jurisdiction, these centers have only received 24 migrants, who were promptly returned to Italy due to court rulings deeming the detentions unlawful. The Italian courts are awaiting a decision from the Court of Cassation on whether judges can exercise discretion in determining safe countries for repatriation, which has raised questions about the legality of the centers. Despite the staff reductions, the government insists the centers will remain operational. The initiative has faced criticism for its high costs and effectiveness, prompting opposition parties to label it a 'financial disaster'. As of now, the future of the controversial 'Albania model' remains uncertain as further legal proceedings unfold.