Italian authorities have rejected the asylum requests of 43 asylum-seekers transferred to Albania in a speedy procedure that a non-governmental delegation observing the process said illegally deprived them of legal assistance.

Italy resumed transferring migrants to processing centers in Albania, media reports said Tuesday. An Italian Navy ship, Cassiopea, arrived early at the Albanian port of Shengjin carrying 49 migrants rescued during the weekend from international waters south of Lampedusa,

SHNGJIN: Dozens of migrants arrived in Albania on Tuesday, days after Italy resumed the transfer of asylum seekers

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

Remaining 44 migrants being held at Albania’s Gjader facility, where their asylum applications to be processed - Anadolu Ajansı

Dozens of migrants arrived in Albania early on Tuesday, days after Italy resumed the transfer of asylum seekers to its maritime neighbour in a controversial programme that is under judicial review.

Tuesday's boat was the first to arrive in Albania following a monthslong pause. The European Court of Justice is set to review the scheme in February.

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

An Italian navy ship has dropped off 49 migrants in Albania after intercepting them in international waters, in the third attempt to carry out a contentious plan to relocate migrants to be processed under a deal between the two countries.