Meloni Enforces Stricter Measures Against NGO-Led Illegal Immigration in Italy
Maria Herrera Mellado 
Giorgia Meloni’s strategy and the opposition’s criticism of her efforts to control illegal immigration in Italy have become a major story in Europe. Recently, the Italian authorities blocked the NGO ship ‘Geo Barents’ from operating for 60 days for violating the Italian law after bringing 191 migrants to shore.
Italy fined and blocked the Doctors Without Borders (MSF) ship for docking at the port of Salerno without properly informing maritime security authorities about its rescue operations in the Mediterranean. The NGO denies these accusations, labeling them as «inhumane» and claiming that they merely fulfilled their legal obligation to save lives at sea.
MSF also reported conducting five rescue operations on August 23, receiving a sanction for not providing timely information about one of these rescues. The Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has emphasized the need for a single rescue operation to regain control and set limits on immigration.
Meloni is acutely aware of the consequences of unchecked immigration and has been working on plans to address the situation. She recently approved a government plan to transfer migrants arriving by boat to centers managed by Italy in Albania, a measure criticized by the opposition.
The plan, approved by the Italian Senate, has raised concerns because Albania is not a member of the European Union and thus is not bound by EU regulations on the treatment and deportation of asylum seekers. The agreement specifies that women and children will not be transferred to Albania.
In 2023, more than 157,000 people arrived in Italy by sea, with the government struggling to control the influx. Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party, which campaigned on a strong anti illegal immigration platform in 2022, has faced criticism for not doing enough to stop the boats. Meanwhile, those supporting the continuous and unregulated flow of immigrants have been accused of indirectly collaborating with human traffickers.
On the other side, countries like Hungary have been sanctioned for not complying with EU regulations, as they defend their sovereignty and borders against what they see as imposed policies.
Spain is not an example to control immigration either.
María Herrera Mellado es una abogada de EE.UU. y licenciada en España. Doctora en Ciencias Jurídicas y Analista política. La Dra. Herrera es conocida por su amplia experiencia en análisis y consultas en el diseño de políticas públicas, propuestas de ley y gestión en relaciones internacionales.
Su reconocimiento proviene de sus contribuciones al análisis y representación legal de diversas organizaciones, empresas e individuos que han visto abusados sus derechos humanos, su privacidad o en la inclusión de políticas efectivas fundamentalmente en el ámbito de la transparencia y la rendición de cuentas, así como la lucha contra la corrupción.
Su formación académica y experiencias profesionales la convierten en una voz respetada en el debate público y en el análisis de temas de actualidad sobre todo en los desafíos políticos y legales contemporáneos.
María Herrera Mellado is a U.S.-based attorney also licensed in Spain. She holds a PhD in Legal Sciences and is known as a media legal and policy analyst.
Dr. Herrera is recognized for her extensive experience in analyzing and consulting on public policy design, legislative proposals, and international relations management.
Her recognition stems from her contributions to the analysis and legal representation of various organizations, companies, and individuals whose human rights or privacy have been violated, or who have benefited from the inclusion of effective policies, primarily in the areas of transparency, accountability, and the fight against corruption.
Her academic background and professional experience make her a respected voice in public debate and in the analysis of current issues, particularly in contemporary political and legal challenges.