Egypt and Bangladesh are among 22 countries deemed “safe” by Italy, a designation that prevents their nationals from qualifying for political asylum, with few exceptions. Under the protocol signed between Italy and Albania last year, those sent to Albania must not show signs of torture, illness or vulnerability or be part of nuclear families traveling together. Those brought directly to Italy instead would fall under EU regulations, which involve a lengthy asylum process. If they are denied asylum in Italy, they will then be deported back to their countries of origin at Italy’s expense. More than 1 million migrants have made it to Italy by sea from North African ports since 2014, according to Italian government statistics and UNHCR.

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