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.

Switzerland’s commitment to humanitarian aid, peacebuilding efforts, and support for Ukraine will remain unaffected by the cuts.

The Federal Council, Switzerland's executive body, was notified of the cuts to international cooperation on Wednesday. As a result, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) will end its bilateral development programmes with Albania, Bangladesh and Zambia by the end of 2028.

All asylum requests of 43 migrants at an innovative but controversial new Italian-run processing centre in Albania have been rejected, officials said Thursday after six of the original 49, two adults adjudged vulnerable and four minors,

Italian Navy patrol vessel Cassiopea early on Tuesday reached the Albanian port of Shengjin with 49 migrants rescued over the weekend in international waters south of the Sicilian island of Lampedusa.

In what comes as a double blow to Bangladesh, the Swiss government also decided to cut foreign aid to Dhaka following Trump's action to halt support for the South Asian country. The decision will also impact two other countries—Albania and Zambia.

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

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

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

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s first attempt to have asylum seekers held for assessment overseas was immediately blocked by judges. Now another is underway.

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.

These reductions will affect bilateral, economic, and thematic cooperation, as well as multilateral organisations