An Italian navy ship carrying 49 migrants picked up in international waters arrived in Albania on Tuesday, amid a new attempt by Italy to push ahead with a legally contested plan to relocate migrants to the neighbouring country.

What made the gift even more special was that the lightweight scarf was designed by an Italian designer who had relocated to Albania, showcasing the strong cultural ties between the two nations.

Italy says it is transferring 49 migrants picked up in the Mediterranean to new processing centers in Albania, in the third such attempt facing hurdles by courts.

Italian navy ship drops off 49 migrants in Albania despite previous court rejections - Giorgia Meloni’s Italian government is looking to relocate migrants to Albania in a contentious plan

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s first attempt to have asylum seekers held for assessment overseas was immediately blocked by judges. Now another is underway.

Italy's navy on Sunday was taking 49 migrants it picked up in international waters to detention facilities in Albania, the interior ministry said, resuming a plan to curb sea arrivals mired in legal controversy.

An Italian navy ship arrived Tuesday in Albania with 49 migrants intercepted in international waters for processing of their asylum applications at special Albanian

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni says that Rome prosecutors have opened an investigation against her and two government ministers for repatriating a Libyan warlord wanted by the International Criminal Court in the Hague.

Italy released Osama Elmasry Njeem on a technicality after he was arrested on a warrant from the International Criminal Court accusing him of war crimes.

New legislation passed in January requires Italian appeals courts to approve the detention of asylum seekers rather than special immigration services.