Sun Sep 15 11:14:28 UTC 2024: ## UK PM Starmer Seeks Solutions to Migrant Crisis in Rome: Eyeing Italy’s ‘Outsourcing’ Model

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has expressed interest in learning about Italy’s approach to managing the migrant crisis during his first official visit to Rome on Monday.

Starmer’s meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is expected to focus on the UK’s potential to learn from Italy’s success in reducing the number of migrants arriving by sea. Italy, the EU member state receiving the most migrant arrivals, has seen a dramatic decrease this year. Starmer attributed this success to “prevention and stopping people travelling in the first place” and highlighted his interest in understanding how Italy achieved this reduction.

Key to Italy’s strategy are agreements with North African countries like Tunisia and Libya. The EU has provided significant financial support to both nations, including funding border security, training coastguards, and investing in their economies. While this strategy has been effective in reducing crossings, it has also drawn criticism from human rights groups who accuse Italy and the EU of complicity in abuses against migrants in Libya.

Starmer’s interest lies specifically in Italy’s “outsourcing” model, which includes building reception centers in Albania where migrants rescued at sea can be processed. These centers, funded and managed by Italy, could hold up to 36,000 migrants per year. While in Albania, migrants can apply for asylum in Italy and face deportation if their applications are denied.

Starmer’s interest in this approach is a departure from the UK’s previous stance on migration, and comes as the UK grapples with a surge in Channel crossings. With 801 people crossing the Channel on Saturday alone, the UK is seeking solutions to curb the flow of migrants.

While Meloni is a strong advocate for this model, there are concerns about its potential impact on human rights and its long-term effectiveness. The UK’s focus on Italy’s strategy is likely to draw attention to the complexities of managing migration and the need for sustainable solutions that protect the rights of all involved.

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