Italy Approves Migration Bill Allowing Naval Blockades On Migrant Vessels

Italy’s cabinet has approved a new migration bill that would allow authorities to impose temporary naval blockades on migrant vessels attempting to enter Italian territorial waters.

The measure, introduced by the conservative government led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, must now be debated and approved by both chambers of parliament before it can take effect.

The legislation would permit Italian authorities to block ships for up to 30 days if they are deemed to pose a serious threat to public order or national security.

The restriction could be extended to a maximum of six months under certain conditions.

According to the bill, such threats may include the concrete risk of terrorist acts or infiltration, exceptional migratory pressure that could compromise the secure management of borders, global health emergencies, or high-level international events.

Authorities would also have the power to prevent vessels from entering territorial waters in the event of a significant influx of migrants that could undermine border control operations.

Ships found to be in breach of the rules could face fines of up to €50,000 (approximately $59,400).

Repeat violations could result in the confiscation of vessels. The provision is expected to affect humanitarian rescue ships operating in the Central Mediterranean.

The legislation further provides that intercepted migrants may be transported to third countries, other than their country of origin, provided Italy has concluded specific agreements with those states.

If adopted by parliament, the measure could enable the government to restart offshore migrant processing centres in Albania.

These facilities have remained largely inactive for around two years due to legal challenges and have faced criticism from humanitarian organisations regarding their legality and effectiveness.

The approval of the Italian bill follows the European Parliament’s adoption of new migration and asylum measures.

The updated European Union framework allows member states to deny asylum and deport migrants who originate from countries designated as safe, or who could apply for asylum in a country outside the 27-nation bloc.

Italy’s Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, stated that the European Parliament’s confirmation of the safe country list validated Italy’s position on the issue.

Meanwhile, a senior adviser at the International Rescue Committee expressed concern that the new EU measures could result in individuals being sent to countries where they have no established ties, do not speak the language, and may face risks of abuse or exploitation.

Prime Minister Meloni, leader of the Brothers of Italy party, was elected in 2022 on a pledge to curb irregular migration, particularly sea arrivals.

Her government has signed agreements with North African countries aimed at limiting departures and has tightened rules governing charity-operated rescue vessels in the Central Mediterranean.

Government figures indicate that migrant arrivals by sea this year stand at around 2,000, compared with 4,400 during the same period last year. However, the route remains dangerous.

The International Organization for Migration has reported that nearly 490 people have been recorded as missing in the Central Mediterranean so far this year.

Parliament is expected to consider the bill in the coming weeks.

References: Reuters, Aljazeera

Source: Maritime Shipping News