Italy Approves Controversial Migrant Bill: Naval Blockade, Fines, and Phone Restrictions Introduced
Rome, February 11 – The Italian Council of Ministers has approved a new legislative decree aimed at strengthening the fight against illegal mass immigration and human traffickers. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the measure via social media, highlighting its significance in addressing the ongoing migrant crisis. The bill introduces several key changes, including the possibility of a naval blockade, substantial fines for those violating territorial waters, and restrictions on mobile phone use within migrant detention centers.
Naval Blockade: A Measure Against Severe Threats
Article 10 of the new decree outlines provisions for a naval blockade, allowing for the temporary interdiction of territorial waters in cases of grave threats to public order or national security. Such threats include a concrete risk of terrorism or terrorist infiltration, exceptional migratory pressure compromising border management, international health emergencies, and high-level international events requiring extraordinary security measures. This measure grants the Council of Ministers the authority to implement a blockade upon the Interior Minister’s proposal, signifying a robust approach to border control.
Hefty Fines for Territorial Water Violations
The new legislation imposes significant administrative monetary penalties for those who violate the naval blockade. Fines will range from 10,000 to 50,000 euros. In cases of repeated violations using the same vessel, an additional administrative sanction of confiscation of the vessel will be applied, with immediate precautionary seizure by the enforcing authority. This applies even if the subsequent violation is committed by only one of the perpetrators or jointly liable parties who, in the preceding five years, had a previous violation confirmed by an executive order, unless they can prove the illicit conduct occurred against their will, demonstrated through appropriate actions to prevent it.
Restrictions on Mobile Phone Use in Detention Centers
The bill also introduces new regulations for individuals held in CPRs (Centri di Permanenza per il Rimpatrio – Centers for Repatriation). Article 17 of the draft decree stipulates that outside of authorized hours, spaces, and usage modalities, foreigners detained are not permitted to freely possess mobile phones, even if privately owned. These devices will be stored by personnel of the managing entity and made available to the interested party only for the period strictly necessary for their use. This measure aims to enhance security and control within the detention facilities.
Expulsion for Convicted Foreigners and EU Citizens
Furthermore, the judge will now order the expulsion of a foreigner or the removal from the national territory of a citizen belonging to an EU member state, in addition to cases explicitly provided by law, when the foreigner or EU citizen is convicted of a custodial sentence for violence or threats against a public official, resistance to a public official, violence or threats against a political, administrative, or judicial body, with aggravating circumstances. This provision underscores Italy’s commitment to expelling individuals who pose a threat to public safety and order.
Context and Broader Implications
The approval of this new migrant bill comes amidst ongoing debates and challenges regarding migration policies across Europe. Italy, as a primary point of entry for migrants crossing the Mediterranean, has been at the forefront of these discussions. The government’s decision to implement such stringent measures reflects a determination to curb illegal immigration and address the perceived security and social challenges associated with uncontrolled migration flows. While proponents argue that these measures are necessary for national security and border integrity, human rights organizations and international bodies are likely to scrutinize the bill’s implications for asylum seekers and migrants’ rights.
The legislation builds upon previous efforts to manage migration, including discussions around search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean. Recent incidents, such as shipwrecks and disappearances at sea, highlight the perilous journeys undertaken by migrants and the complexities involved in managing these flows. The Italian government’s stance, as articulated by Prime Minister Meloni, emphasizes a dual approach of combating human trafficking while also seeking to control national borders more effectively. The long-term impact of these new regulations on migration patterns, international relations, and human rights will be closely watched in the coming months.
