EU Court Challenges Italy's 'Safe Countries' Asylum Policy
The European Court of Justice questioned Italy's 'safe countries' policy used for sending migrants to Albania, challenging the government's migration strategy. The ruling raises concerns over judicial intervention in policy-making, as Italy's asylum system confronts legal and logistical setbacks. While migrant arrivals remain controlled, the Albanian scheme faces significant hurdles.
The European Court of Justice has questioned the legitimacy of Italy's 'safe countries' list, a key element in the nation's strategy to streamline asylum applications by sending migrants to Albania. The court's decision has dealt a blow to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's policies, sparking a reevaluation of Italy's approach to immigration.
Dario Belluccio, representing a Bangladeshi asylum-seeker, stated the ruling has effectively dismantled the Italian government's strategy. The plan involved offshoring asylum-seekers to Albania, a policy that other European countries viewed as a potential model.
Yet, the scheme has faced legal challenges from its inception. The European Court's judgment emphasized the need for strict legal standards in designating 'safe' countries, highlighting the systemic hurdles Italy faces in implementing its migration policies, though migrant arrivals have stabilized compared to previous years.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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