UK’s PM mulls Italy’s approach to curb illegal migration

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed interest in Italy's controversial strategy for managing irregular migration, as reported by Reuters. Starmer recently met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome to discuss ways to combat human trafficking across the Mediterranean, particularly involving migrants attempting to reach Europe by small boats from Africa.

"I'm utterly focused on what I think is the most likely deterrent and effective way of dealing with unlawful migration, and that is to take down the gangs that are running this vile trade," Starmer said during a joint press conference.

Meloni has implemented strict migration policies, including agreements with Tunisia and Libya, which provide financial aid for border security and economic development in exchange for curbing migration. The European Union has signed a similar agreement with Tunisia. The strategy seems to be working. Italy’s Interior Ministry reports a 60% drop in migrant arrivals compared to the previous year.

But human rights organizations say Italy and the EU are turning a blind eye to the abuses migrants face when apprehended in North Africa. 

Starmer is particularly interested in a recent deal between Italy and Albania, which allows Italy to set up facilities in Albania to process asylum claims of migrants intercepted at sea. Those with legitimate claims are allowed to proceed to Italy, while others are detained and repatriated.

Experts say Starmer can learn from Italy’s approach but it won’t be easy to emulate.

 “Rome can throw money and some kind of assistance to Tunisia and Libya, hoping it will reduce the inflow. This is not an option for London. Immigrants arrive from France,” Wolfango Piccoli, a co-president of political risk advisory at the London-based research company Teneo told the Guardian. “More than anything, the visit shows how sensitive the matter is to Starmer, whose popularity is declining rapidly.”