Migrants in transit: the uncertain future in Italy

In recent weeks, the Italian center in Gjader has seen a rapid transfer of migrants. After the first twelve asylum seekers, a second group of seven individuals, including three Egyptians and four Bangladeshis, also spend no more than two days at the facility. Their final destination will be an asylum center in Puglia, while the court in Rome has suspended judgment on their detention, referring the matter to the European Court of Justice.

Reforms and controversies: the government’s reaction

The new decree on Safe Countries has not had the effect desired by the Italian government, leaving in doubt the effectiveness of the mechanism of accelerated repatriations. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini has attacked the magistrates, defining the sentence as a policy against the safety of Italians.

According to the National Association of Magistrates, the Italian legislation is “incompatible with European Union law”, making a preliminary reference necessary. The Ministry of the Interior intends to defend its positions before the European Court, but the time required for a definitive resolution is expected to be long.

The judicial issue and political tensions

An important hearing will take place on December 4th at the Court of Cassation, which will have to decide whether the judges can act autonomously or if they must follow the government’s list of safe countries. In the meantime, the Democratic Party has criticized the government’s actions, denouncing the disastrous consequences of its policies on migrants. Debora Serracchiani described the government’s choices as “cruel and shameful”, saying that they lead to new exhausting journeys for people already tried by violence and discrimination. Even within the Senate the controversy intensifies: Enrico Borghi of Italia Viva asks the Minister of the Interior for clarifications regarding the current situation. Tensions continue with mutual accusations between the parties. Maurizio Gasparri of Forza Italia has called some magistrates “subversive”, while the senators of the M5s have denounced an attack on the foundations of democracy.

Towards an uncertain future

The situation of migrants in Italy remains volatile and complex. Upcoming decisions by the European Court of Justice could have significant implications for the country’s immigration system. With rising political tension and heated debate on migration policies, future developments will be crucial to understanding how Italy will address this humanitarian and legal challenge.