Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Africanews
Published on 2024-02-23 12:20:27
Migrants and asylum seekers in Tunisia’s capital have expressed mixed opinions on the controversial migration deal between Albania and Italy. Albania’s parliament recently approved a deal for the country to host thousands of asylum seekers for Italy, a decision that has sparked protests from opposition lawmakers and human rights organizations.
At a camp in Tunis, some individuals shared their reluctance to go to Albania, viewing it as not their preferred destination. However, others saw Albania as a potential opportunity, especially for those escaping war or repression in their own countries.
Ahmed, a Sudanese refugee who preferred not to disclose his last name, emphasized the importance of safety and security for refugees in Albania. He expressed uncertainty about their future in Albania but acknowledged the potential support from Europe in their time of need.
The five-year deal allows Albania to accommodate up to 3,000 migrants rescued from international waters at a time. Asylum requests are expected to take about a month to process, potentially leading to the relocation of up to 36,000 asylum seekers to Albania in a year.
Albania’s non-membership in the European Union has raised concerns about sending asylum seekers outside the bloc. Despite this, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the deal as a creative solution, while some rights groups have criticized it for its implications on human rights.
The agreement, signed in November by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, reflects Meloni’s efforts to distribute the responsibility of addressing migration among various European countries.
While the deal has sparked debate and backlash, it highlights the complex challenges surrounding migration and asylum seekers in Europe and beyond. The varying perspectives of migrants and asylum seekers in Tunisia demonstrate the diverse range of opinions and concerns regarding such agreements.
Ultimately, the future implications of the Albania-Italy migration deal remain uncertain, with both support and opposition from different stakeholders. As the situation continues to evolve, it is essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of migrants and asylum seekers, ensuring that their rights are upheld and their needs are met in any relocation or asylum process.
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