The government of Italy has approved draft legislation that would significantly expand executive powers to block migrant boats, accelerate deportations and further restrict humanitarian rescue operations in the Mediterranean. The proposal, advanced under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has prompted concerns that it risks undermining international protection obligations and endangering lives at sea.
The bill would permit the government to prohibit vessels from entering Italian territorial waters for renewable 30 day periods, up to six consecutive months, in cases described as posing grave threats to public order or national security. The grounds are broadly framed and include risks of terrorism, “exceptional migratory pressure,” global health emergencies and major international events requiring heightened security.
In practice, the legislation would allow Italian authorities to intercept vessels and return those on board to third countries with which Italy has agreements, apparently without conducting individual assessments of asylum claims, vulnerabilities or health conditions. The proposal follows recent reforms at EU level, including changes endorsed by the European Parliament allowing member states to transfer asylum seekers to designated “safe third countries” under certain conditions.
The draft law would also introduce stricter penalties for nongovernmental organisations engaged in search and rescue operations in the central Mediterranean, one of the world’s deadliest migration routes. Breaches of entry bans could result in fines of up to €50,000 and vessel seizure for repeat violations. The current government has already imposed administrative sanctions and vessel detentions that have significantly constrained rescue capacity.
Additional provisions aim to implement elements of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, due to enter into force in June, including accelerated border procedures designed to facilitate swift removals of individuals from countries deemed “safe” or whose applications are considered inadmissible.
The legislation is expected to face parliamentary scrutiny. Critics argue that any reform must comply fully with international refugee and human rights law, ensure access to individualised asylum procedures and avoid measures that could deter or penalise life saving humanitarian assistance.