Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has publicly distanced his government from the Italian-run migrant processing hubs operating in Albania, telling reporters: "Not our problem…ask the Italians."

Rama's remarks, reported by InfoMigrants, shift responsibility for the facilities squarely onto Rome. The comments cut off questions about how the centres function and who answers for the people processed there.

What did the Albanian PM say?

Asked about the migrant hubs, Rama declined to engage with operational questions. "Not our problem…ask the Italians," he said, according to InfoMigrants.

The statement signals that Tirana treats the facilities as an Italian matter. Under the arrangement the centres were built to serve, Italy runs the processing sites located on Albanian territory, while Albania hosts them.

The quote is blunt. It lasts four words. And it puts the entire burden of explanation on Rome.

Who do the hubs affect?

The facilities matter for migrants intercepted while trying to reach Italy. People taken to the hubs face processing under Italian authority rather than on Italian soil.

Rama's answer leaves several practical questions open:

• Who handles individual cases while migrants are held at the centres;
• Which government answers public and media questions about conditions inside;
• How complaints or legal challenges should be directed.

For migrants and their advocates, the Albanian PM's deflection means Rome remains the point of contact for anything concerning the hubs.

Why does the statement matter?

The remarks draw a clear line between hosting the infrastructure and owning the policy. Rama's framing suggests Albania sees itself as a location, not an operator.

That distinction has consequences for accountability. When the leader of the host country says a programme is "not our problem," journalists, lawyers and humanitarian organisations must direct their inquiries to Italian authorities.

Where to follow the issue

InfoMigrants carried the Albanian prime minister's comments. Readers tracking the Italian processing centres in Albania should follow statements from the Italian government, which Rama identifies as the responsible party.

This article reports the prime minister's public statement and does not provide legal advice on any individual migration case.