Italy backs tough migration package, introduces naval blockade measure

Italy’s conservative government, headed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, approved a draft law on February 11 introducing a series of new measures to combat illegal immigration, including provisions for a so-called “naval blockade” targeting migrant vessels attempting to reach Italian territory.

The bill was endorsed during a late-afternoon cabinet meeting. It must now be debated and passed by both chambers of parliament before it can enter into force, according to foreign media reports.

The new migration package — which also includes stricter surveillance at borders and cooperation with European agencies — was adopted one day after the European Union approved its new pact on migration and asylum. Rome has stated that it intends to implement the EU framework without delay.

Among the key provisions are expanded powers for Italian authorities to impose a naval blockade on migrant ships seeking to enter Italy’s territorial waters under specific circumstances. According to the draft legislation, authorities may prohibit entry into Italian waters for up to 30 days if a vessel is deemed to pose “serious threats to public order or national security,” including a concrete risk of terrorist acts or terrorist infiltration. Such a blockade may be extended for a total period of up to six months.

The bill also allows authorities to deny entry to vessels in situations involving a sudden and large-scale influx of migrants that could undermine the secure management of national borders.

Violations of the new rules would carry financial penalties of up to 50,000 euros ($59,400). In cases of repeated breaches, vessels could be confiscated — a measure that appears to be aimed at humanitarian rescue ships operating in the Mediterranean.

In instances where ships are intercepted, migrants on board could be “transported to third countries other than their country of origin, with which Italy has entered into specific agreements,” the bill states.

Through these measures, the Meloni government intends to revive offshore processing centres similar to the two controversial facilities established in Albania. Those hubs have remained largely inactive for nearly two years due to legal obstacles.

The Albanian centres — a flagship initiative of the Meloni administration to regulate migration flows — have consistently triggered debate over their legality and effectiveness and have faced strong opposition from humanitarian organisations.

The Italian government’s approval of the bill follows a vote in the European Parliament on February 10 endorsing new immigration policies. The updated EU rules permit member states to deny asylum and deport migrants if they originate from countries designated as safe or if they could seek asylum in a safe country outside the 27-nation bloc.

Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani welcomed the European Parliament’s decision, stating on Tuesday that the confirmation of the list of safe countries “proves Italy right.”

By Tamilla Hasanova