A group of migrants embark on an Italian coast guard ship at Shengjin port in Albania on October 19, 2024. Earlier, they were escorted by police from a temporary reception centre to Shengjin port, where they boarded the ship, an AFP journalist saw. From there, a determination will be made as to which individuals come from so-called "safe" countries, allowing for fast-track repatriation. Human rights groups have also questioned whether there will be sufficient protection for asylum seekers in the centres in Albania. Italy's deal with Albania has been widely criticised by human rights groups, who question whether Albania can provide adequate protection for asylum seekers.

Source: Daily Nation October 19, 2024 14:07 UTC