Italy Transfers Migrants Following Court Ruling

On October 19, an Italian coastguard vessel returned 12 migrants from Albania to Italy following a court ruling that deemed their countries of origin, Egypt and Bangladesh, unsafe for repatriation. This decision challenges Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's initiative to house migrants in Albania, which was part of a broader strategy to manage immigration by diverting asylum-seekers abroad. The Italian government plans to appeal the ruling and maintain its policy, arguing for the right to designate which countries are safe for migrants. Meloni has criticized the court's decision, asserting it undermines Italy's ability to protect its borders. The migrants were initially transferred to Albania earlier in the week, with four already sent back for health reasons or due to being minors. A cabinet meeting is scheduled to discuss the government's next steps in response to the legal setback.