Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, has stated that her administration will utilize all available resources to “ensure the security of our borders”.
The decision came following the approval of a bill that permits naval blockades to prevent boats from reaching Italy during times of “exceptional pressure”.
This legislation represents the most recent action in the crackdown on irregular immigration by Giorgia Meloni’s far-right administration.
It has implemented stringent measures against charity rescue vessels, increased prison sentences for human traffickers, and initiatives designed to expedite the repatriation of individuals.
Italy immigration crackdown
Under this law, pending approval from both chambers of parliament, Italian officials would be granted the authority to prohibit boats from entering the nation’s territorial waters for a duration of up to 30 days.
There will exist the possibility of extension for an additional six months, in cases of “serious threats to public order or national security”, including terrorism.
This initiative follows the tragic loss of hundreds of lives during a recent severe storm while attempting to cross the Mediterranean from North Africa.
It also allows authorities to enforce the blockade during times of significant surges in boat arrivals.
Individuals who violate the regulations may incur fines reaching €50,000 and risk having their vessels seized if they commit multiple infractions, a strategy aimed specifically at rescue ships.
In these instances, the individuals aboard may be relocated to nations with which Italy has established repatriation agreements, rather than being returned to their home country.
This week, the European Parliament sanctioned amendments to the EU asylum regulations, reacting to demands from member states, including Italy, for a more stringent policy.
In a video message shared on social media, Meloni stated that the legislation encompassed provisions aimed at expediting the deportation of individuals convicted of crimes.
It further broadened the circumstances that could lead to expulsion, such as instances where a foreigner assaulted a police officer or faced accusations of slavery or domestic violence.
“If you wish to reside here, you must adhere to Italian laws,” Meloni remarked.
As per statistics from Italy’s interior ministry, 66,296 individuals arrived by boat on Italian shores in 2025, representing a slight decrease from the previous year.
However, approximately half the number of arrivals recorded in 2023, when Italy’s far-right government intensified and implemented agreements with Libya and Tunisia to reduce the influx of people.
