An Italian navy ship has arrived in Albania with 49 migrants intercepted in international waters for processing of their asylum applications at special Albanian centers.

Italian naval ship lands 49 people in Albania in a third transfer under controversial 2023 deal between Rome and Tirana.

Tuesday's boat was the first to arrive in Albania following a monthslong pause. The European Court of Justice is set to review the scheme in February.

TIRANA - An Italian navy ship carrying 49 migrants picked up in international waters arrived in Albania on Tuesday, amid a new attempt by Italy to push ahead with a legally contested plan to relocate migrants to the neighbouring country.

Dozens of migrants arrived in Albania early on Tuesday, days after Italy resumed the transfer of asylum seekers to its maritime neighbour in a controversial programme that is under judicial review.

Italy says it is transferring 49 migrants picked up in the Mediterranean to new processing centers in Albania, in the third such attempt facing hurdles by courts.

An Italian navy ship arrived Tuesday in Albania with 49 migrants who were intercepted in international waters. Their asylum applications are set to be handled by processing centres in Albania. View on

The attempt at processing at special centres in Albania follows two previous failures in October and November.

SHNGJIN: Dozens of migrants arrived in Albania on Tuesday, days after Italy resumed the transfer of asylum seekers

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s first attempt to have asylum seekers held for assessment overseas was immediately blocked by judges. Now another is underway.

Italy has resumed sending illegal migrants to its new Albania processing centre as Giorgia Meloni, the country’s prime minister, attempts to circumvent the European Court of Justice (ECJ).