Recently, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Italy to learn more about the country's noteworthy achievements in curbing irregular migration. Since migration is becoming an increasingly pressing issue in the UK, Starmer intends to follow Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni's stringent efforts to regulate the flood of migrants arriving by sea.

The UK is having trouble dealing with an increase in the number of migrants crossing the English Channel, while Italy has witnessed a dramatic reduction in migrant numbers. Starmer's discussion with Meloni in Rome raised the issue of whether the UK can adopt Italy's strategy for dealing with irregular migration.

Tough Enforcement and International Cooperation

Under Meloni, Italy's approach has centered on working with countries along migration routes and enforcing severe laws. The center-left leader of the Labour Party, Michael Starmer, was pleased with Italy's advancements, which include:

• Taking action against smuggling networks that aid in the crossing of migrants.
• Collaborating closely with nations in the Mediterranean and Africa to prevent departures before they occur.
• Establishing agreements to manage migrants outside Italy's borders with countries like Albania and Tunisia.

Specifically, the government of Meloni inked a contentious deal with Albania to temporarily lodge some rescued migrants there while their asylum requests are being handled. This has assisted Italy in effectively controlling migration while easing the burden on its resources.

A Focus on Prevention

The need for prevention is among the most important lessons Starmer learned from Italy. The number of arrivals in the first half of this year has decreased by 60% compared to 2023, partly due to Italy's efforts to stop migrants from reaching its borders.

Starmer concurred that the UK may successfully prevent migrants before they set out on their perilous trek. Numerous catastrophes, such as the recent deaths of eight migrants off the coast of France, have resulted from the current problem of overcrowded boats trying to cross the English Channel.

Italy has successfully lowered the number of migrants by cooperating with nations bordering migration routes. Starmer wanted to learn more about Italy's "as equals" approach to dealing with these nations, addressing smuggling at its source.

Criticism and Controversy

Italy's immigration policy has drawn harsh criticism despite the country's seeming success. Human rights organizations and refugee agencies contend that the agreements with Albania and other countries may infringe upon the rights of migrants.

On the other hand, Meloni has categorically refuted these allegations, asserting that the contracts comply with Italian legislation.

Starmer's curiosity about Italy's strategy has also caused controversy at home. Some members of his Labour Party have voiced concerns about taking lessons from a far-right government. Labour MP Kim Johnson also voiced concerns, especially in light of the UK's recent anti-immigrant riots and growing xenophobia.

Although Starmer has downplayed these criticisms, stating that Italy is an ally, it is still unclear if the UK is prepared to accept such severe sanctions.

Starmer's position differs significantly from that of the previous Conservative government, especially regarding the deportation plan to Rwanda that he abandoned as soon as he took office.

FAQS

What is the Albanian matter, and what makes it important?

Italy and Albania reached a deal to transfer some male migrants who had been rescued to Albania pending the processing of their asylum petitions. This agreement relieves strain from Italy's internal asylum system and is a crucial component of their prevention-focused approach, which makes it noteworthy.

What became of the UK's expulsion plan from Rwanda?

The former Conservative administration implemented the Rwanda deportation plan, which was designed to discourage asylum seekers by sending them to Rwanda with no possibility of coming back to the UK. After gaining office, Starmer abandoned this proposal, labeling it a "gimmick."