Italy Approves Draft Migration Bill for Naval Blockades

Italy's cabinet, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, approved a draft migration bill on Wednesday that authorizes naval blockades to prevent migrant boats from entering the country's territorial waters during periods of exceptional pressure. The measure, part of a broader crackdown on irregular arrivals, requires approval from both houses of parliament before it can take effect.

The legislation empowers authorities to impose a ban on vessel passage for up to 30 days, with possible extensions to six months in cases deemed a serious threat to public order or national security. Such threats could include sudden surges in migrant inflows that strain border management, risks of terrorist infiltration, global health emergencies, or major international events. Vessels violating the blockade face fines of up to 50,000 euros, with repeat offenders subject to boat confiscation. The bill also strengthens border surveillance, enhances cooperation with European Union agencies, and introduces harsher penalties for human smugglers, including longer jail terms.

In addition, the proposal expands the grounds for expelling foreign nationals convicted of certain crimes, adding offenses such as...