The Hidden Costs of Relocating 16 Migrants to Albania: An Inquiry

Cost of Bringing 16 Migrants to Albania: A Burden or a Strategy?

What has been the financial impact of moving 16 migrants to Albania? Amidst the Budget Law period, where Italian Minister of Economy Giancarlo Giorgetti has urged sacrifices considering the fragile state of public finances, the answer may not sit well with many.

Immigration remains a cornerstone issue for the Italian right-wing.
Prior to the last election campaign, Giorgia Meloni promised an immediate naval blockade as soon as she took office at Palazzo Chigi.
However, the paradox lies in the fact that 2023, the first full year under Meloni’s leadership, has witnessed record numbers of migrant arrivals, exceeding 140,000, a stark contrast to 76,000 in 2022.

This surge presents a significant challenge for Meloni, especially with the approaching European elections.
Exactly one year ago, Meloni announced, alongside Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, the establishment of migrant centers in Albania, aiming to transfer migrants who landed in Italy.

The First Transfers and Initial Hurdles

After months of delays, aimed at inaugurating the center before the European elections, the Gjader facility has finally received its first 16 migrants, even as over 1,500 individuals landed in Italy over the past three days.

The opening ceremony of the migrant center in Albania, however, was marred by complications: out of the 16 migrants (10 Egyptians and 6 Bangladeshis), two minors were immediately flown back to Italy, followed by another two individuals facing significant vulnerabilities slated for the same return journey.

Calculating the Costs

So, how much has it cost Italy to transfer these 16 migrants from Lampedusa to Albania, only to return four to the Italian shore? If reports are accurate, this scenario highlights the situation more as a PR operation rather than a viable solution to immigration challenges.

In 2016, the Court of Auditors documented Italy’s expenditure for migrant reception at 1.7 billion euros, a significant burden with minimal financial aid from the EU (€46.8 million, merely 2.7% of the total).
Additionally, failed relocations within EU nations cost an extra €762.5 million.

A New Agreement and Ongoing Costs

In 2023, an agreement was forged between Italy and Albania for migrant transfers, with a commitment to build three centers, all financial responsibilities resting on Italy.
A technical report from the Chamber of Deputies estimates the cost for establishing and operating these centers at around €610 million from 2024 to 2028.
Adding various “hidden costs,” the total could escalate to €800 million over five years for a maximum capacity of 800 migrants at a time, with a target of 3,500.

This leads to an annual estimated spend of approximately €134 million to house migrants in Albania.
However, strict guidelines limit which migrants can be sent, allowing only adult men in good health from ‘safe’ countries.

Consequently, of the initial 16 migrants sent by the Italian military vessel Libra, four—two minors and two fragile individuals—were immediately returned to Italy, presenting a rocky start to this venture.

Conclusion: A Costly Endeavor?

The estimated cost per journey from Lampedusa to Albania, only for some to return, ranges between €250,000 and €290,000, exceeding €18,000 per migrant.
Amidst an era of “sacrifices for everyone,” this financial outlay raises several critical concerns about the efficacy and strategy of Italy’s approach to managing immigration.