An analysis of recent rescue operations and reception procedures for migrants in Italy.

Italy says it is transferring 49 migrants picked up in the Mediterranean to new processing centers in Albania, in the third such attempt facing hurdles by courts.

New legislation passed in January requires Italian appeals courts to approve the detention of asylum seekers rather than special immigration services.

The Italian Navy patrol vessel Cassiopea, carrying 49 migrants rescued over the weekend in international waters south of Lampedusa, has landed at the Albanian port of Shengjin. The ship entered the port at 7:30 am,

An Italian navy ship approaches the port, as Italy sends 49 more migrants to Albania for processing following earlier court rejections, in Shengjin, northwestern Albania, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025. (AP

The attempt at processing at special centres in Albania follows two previous failures in October and November.

SHNGJIN: Dozens of migrants arrived in Albania on Tuesday, days after Italy resumed the transfer of asylum seekers

An aerial photograph taken by a drone shows migrants escorted by Italian police going for processing following earlier court rejections, in the port of Shengjin, northwestern Albania, Tuesday, Jan. 28,

One of the 49 migrants who were taken to Albania early on Tuesday by the Italian Navy's Cassiopea patrol vessel to undergo fast-track border procedures could be taken back to Italy after his condition was deemed to be incompatible with detention in the country,

The Italian government's latest attempt to establish functional migrant camps in Albania saw asylum seekers loaded onto the navy vessel Cassiopea off Lampedusa on Sunday. The Cassiopea was expected to reach the port of Shengjin on Monday evening or Tuesday morning, despite ongoing legal challenges, reported the Associated Press.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s first attempt to have asylum seekers held for assessment overseas was immediately blocked by judges. Now another is underway.