Italy has begun transferring migrants to Albania under a new decree approved on March 28. The Italian Navy ship Libra departed from Brindisi carrying 40 migrants to a center in Gjader, Albania.

This move marks the first phase of a controversial plan to relocate not only asylum seekers intercepted at sea but also irregular migrants with expulsion orders.

The mission has faced criticism for its lack of transparency, with some calling it "opaque.

" Upon arrival, migrants may apply for international protection, though their cases will be reviewed under stricter conditions.

The operation highlights Italy's evolving approach to migration management.