MILAN (AP) — Italian authorities on Thursday 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.

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,

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

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

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

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.

Tuesday's boat was the first to arrive in Albania following a monthslong pause. The European Court of Justice is set to review the scheme in February.

An Italian navy ship has dropped off 49 migrants in Albania after intercepting them in international waters, in the third attempt to carry out a contentious plan to relocate migrants to be processed under a deal between the two countries.