Italy has officially begun a landmark transfer of migrants to Albania, dispatching the first group of 16 individuals under a controversial pact aimed at curbing illegal arrivals. This decision has sparked concern among rights groups, who warn of a dangerous precedent being set regarding the treatment of asylum seekers. The Italian government, led by its hard-right administration, has opened offshore detention centers in Albania to process these individuals after they are intercepted in international waters. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has confirmed that no migrants from Germany will be sent to Albanian centers, as Italy seeks to manage its migrant crisis through this unprecedented arrangement.