The government is considering a plan to transform two controversial Italian-run centres in Albania into repatriation centres (CPRs) in order to keep them operational after the implementation of a protocol between Rome and Tirana for the fast-track processing of asylum seekers at the facilities was stymied by Italy’s courts, several newspapers reported on Monday.

The two centres of Shengjin and Gjader are currently empty after Italian courts failed to validate the detention of the first three groups of migrants taken there in October, November and January.

The plan was reportedly discussed at a meeting last Friday held by Premier Giorgia Meloni with Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and Cabinet Undersecretary and could be implemented with a new decree, according to press reports.

A new meeting could also be held Monday, they said.

Under the reported new project, the centres built to host migrants rescued by Italian Navy ships in international waters in the Mediterranean ahead of accelerated border procedures could be turned into centres hosting irregular migrants who are already in Italy and against whom an expulsion decree has been issued.

The cabinet is also reportedly considering to monitor migrants who apply for international protection with electronic bracelets, instead of detaining them in specific facilities, according to Rome daily Il Messaggero.