UK, Italy unveil joint initiative to stem migrant influx

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak commended Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni’s robust stance on illegal migration during his visit to Rome on Saturday.

The leaders, known for their hardline immigration policies, announced joint funding for a project aimed at facilitating the voluntary return of migrants from Tunisia, a significant departure point for those seeking entry into Europe.

Formal talks were held at Meloni’s office, where Sunak praised the leaders’ shared commitment to breaking from conventional approaches in addressing migration challenges.

Both leaders have faced criticism for their respective policies, including Sunak’s proposal to send asylum seekers to Rwanda and Meloni’s efforts to restrict charity rescue ship activities in the Mediterranean.

The collaborative initiative focuses on supporting repatriation efforts in Tunisia, aligning with existing UN projects. Downing Street confirmed the commitment to co-fund the project, emphasizing the leaders’ dedication to addressing the complex issue of migration.

The relationship between Sunak and Meloni, established since both leaders assumed office in October 2022, was highlighted during the visit. Sunak lauded Meloni’s “conviction and determination,” drawing a parallel between her and former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

He asserted the need for Thatcher’s “radicalism” to effectively tackle mass migration, emphasizing the growing urgency of the problem.

During the meeting, the leaders agreed to intensify efforts against human traffickers while emphasizing the importance of deterrence.

Sunak cited a previous agreement with Albania, resulting in a 90% reduction in Albanian arrivals in the UK.

The leaders acknowledged the need to implement unconventional strategies, deviating from established norms to make deterrence more credible.

Meloni’s recent accord with Albania to construct two centers for asylum seekers faced temporary setbacks, with criticism from both countries and a block by Albania’s Constitutional Court. However, the leaders remained optimistic, reinforcing their commitment to combatting illegal migration during a meeting with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama.

In his address at the Atreju conference, Rama expressed confidence that the agreement with Italy would proceed, underscoring the collaborative efforts among the three leaders to address the multifaceted challenges posed by migration.