Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has pledged to use all available measures to secure the nation’s borders after her government approved a bill authorising naval blockades to prevent migrant boats from reaching Italian shores during periods of “exceptional pressure”. The legislation, part of a broader crackdown on irregular migration by Meloni’s far-right administration, must still be passed by both houses of parliament.
Under the proposed law, Italian authorities could ban vessels from entering territorial waters for up to 30 days, extendable to six months, in cases of “serious threats to public order or national security”, including terrorism. The measure also applies during surges in boat arrivals. Those violating the blockade face fines of up to €50,000 (£43,500) and potential confiscation of their boats for repeat offences, a move aimed at charity rescue ships. Passengers on board could be taken to countries other than their origin with which Italy has repatriation agreements.
The bill comes after hundreds are feared dead in a recent storm while crossing the Mediterranean from North Africa. It also includes provisions to expedite deportations of convicted criminals and expand grounds for expulsion, such as assaulting a police officer or being accused of slavery or domestic violence. Meloni stated in a social media video: “If you want to live here, you need to respect the Italian laws.”
Interior ministry figures show 66,296 people arrived by boat on Italian coasts in 2025, a slight decrease from the previous year but about half the 2023 total, following reinforced deals with Libya and Tunisia. Meloni declared: “For all those who said it was impossible, I want to remind you that nothing is truly impossible for those who are determined to do something. And we are determined to guarantee the security of our borders and our citizens.”
