MADRID, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Spanish government expressed its opposition on Tuesday to the idea of transferring migrants to asylum processing centers located outside the European Union (EU).
"Spain has stated its position against considering the opening of such centers in third countries," government spokeswoman Pilar Alegria said following the Council of Ministers meeting.
On Monday, Italy began transferring migrants to two refugee processing centers in Albania, marking the first time an EU country has operated migrant facilities outside the 27-nation bloc, according to local media. The migrants will undergo identification procedures and remain at the centers until Italian authorities process their asylum requests.
Alegria stressed that Spain would continue to advocate for a humanitarian and supportive application of the EU's migration and asylum pact. She added that the country aims to promote regular and safe migration channels and will collaborate with countries of origin and transit.
Between January and September 2024, 42,231 irregular migrants arrived in Spain, a 59.1 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023, according to the Spanish Interior Ministry. ■
