A comparative Reuters survey published on 17 November shows that Italy is doubling down on deterrence-based migration measures even as other EU capitals enact their own crack-downs. Under legislation passed in September, Italy has lengthened administrative detention for irregular migrants from six to 18 months and has narrowed the scope of ‘special humanitarian protection’. The Interior Ministry has already issued tenders for expanded detention facilities near Bari and Trapani.
Parallel to the domestic measures, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has finalised a bilateral accord with Albania that will see two processing centres built in Shengjin and Gjader. From mid-2026 up to 3,000 migrants intercepted in the Central Mediterranean could be transferred there each month while their asylum claims are examined under Italian law—a model critics compare to the UK’s Rwanda plan. Legal challenges are expected, but government sources say site surveys and logistical planning are under way.
![Rome extends detention and prepares Albania off-shore centres as EU migration clampdown gathers pace]()
Business-immigration advisers note that the tougher stance sits awkwardly alongside Italy’s simultaneous push to attract more legal foreign workers under the new flussi quotas. Companies employing third-country nationals should anticipate stricter police checks on residence-permit renewals and be ready to provide proof of ongoing work contracts and housing. NGOs warn that longer detention and off-shore processing could trigger protests near ports and logistic hubs, potentially disrupting supply chains.
At EU level, Rome has joined eight other member states in calling for changes to the European Convention on Human Rights so that deportations of foreign criminals cannot be blocked as easily. Diplomats expect the debate to intensify ahead of the December Justice and Home Affairs Council, where the new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum is on the agenda.
Parallel to the domestic measures, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has finalised a bilateral accord with Albania that will see two processing centres built in Shengjin and Gjader. From mid-2026 up to 3,000 migrants intercepted in the Central Mediterranean could be transferred there each month while their asylum claims are examined under Italian law—a model critics compare to the UK’s Rwanda plan. Legal challenges are expected, but government sources say site surveys and logistical planning are under way.
Business-immigration advisers note that the tougher stance sits awkwardly alongside Italy’s simultaneous push to attract more legal foreign workers under the new flussi quotas. Companies employing third-country nationals should anticipate stricter police checks on residence-permit renewals and be ready to provide proof of ongoing work contracts and housing. NGOs warn that longer detention and off-shore processing could trigger protests near ports and logistic hubs, potentially disrupting supply chains.
At EU level, Rome has joined eight other member states in calling for changes to the European Convention on Human Rights so that deportations of foreign criminals cannot be blocked as easily. Diplomats expect the debate to intensify ahead of the December Justice and Home Affairs Council, where the new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum is on the agenda.
