Italy is transferring the first group of migrants to Albania as part of a contentious plan to process thousands of asylum-seekers outside its borders.

The plan was heralded by the Italian government as an innovative model to manage and deter immigration, and criticized by human rights groups.

Italy is transporting a first group of migrants to Albania aboard a navy ship, a source close to the matter said on Monday, activating a controversial plan to process thousands of asylum-seekers abroad.

Italy has sent its first group of migrants to Albania for processing, raising concerns among rights groups about potential dangers in this approach.

Italy has initiated a controversial plan to transport migrants to Albania, marking the first EU country to redirect asylum-seekers to a non-EU nation. This move, aimed at reducing irregular arrivals,

Two reception centres built in Albania to take in migrants arriving in Italy opened their doors on Friday, an Italian official said, part of a deal between the two countries aimed at curbing irregular migration into the European Union.

Italian authorities are shipping the first group of migrants to Albania as part of a controversial agreement to vet new arrivals in the Balkan country.

Italy on Monday began transferring migrants intercepted in the Mediterranean to centres in Albania in a European first that has sparked criticism from human rights groups.

In the next few days, the first migrants to land in Italy will be transferred to the controversial new overseas migrant detention centers on Albanian soil. Human rights organizations warn of the way migrants to be treated fairly in them.