TIRANA — The controversial deal, in which the Western Balkan country will host thousands of asylum seekers on Italy’s behalf, is expected to last for five years and provides shelter to up to 3,000 migrants picked up by the Italian Coast Guard in international waters each month.

Speaking during a visit to Albania in June, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the two centers designed to shelter the migrants would be ready to host the first 1,000 people by 1 August.

But with just days to go, intensive construction is still underway in one of them, casting doubt on whether it will be entirely ready in time.

Neither Italy nor Albania have indicated when the first migrants will likely arrive.

The controversial deal, in which the Western Balkan country will host thousands of asylum seekers on Italy’s behalf, is expected to last for five years and provides shelter to up to 3,000 migrants picked up by the Italian Coast Guard in international waters each month. — Euronews