ISTANBUL 

Italy took back five of the 49 irregular migrants it transferred to Albania under a bilateral agreement after rescuing them in the Mediterranean, Italian media reported on Wednesday.

According to ANSA, the Cassiopea patrol vessel brought the migrants—mostly from Egypt and Bangladesh—to Albania’s Shengjin Port. However, five of them were later sent back to Italy, including four minors and one individual with health conditions unsuitable for the centers.

The remaining 44 migrants are being held at Albania’s Gjader facility, where their asylum applications will be processed.

This marks the third group Italy has sent to Albania since the centers opened in October 2024.

Italy’s agreement with Albania, signed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, allows the transfer of adult male migrants rescued at sea. However, legal challenges have emerged since then.

Rome courts previously ruled against keeping two earlier groups in Albania, citing European Court of Justice (ECJ) decisions on migrant safety.

The ECJ is expected to assess whether Italy’s migration plan aligns with EU laws in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, critics argue the policy is ineffective and a misuse of Italian funds.