Italy declares state of emergency due to influx of migrants

In Italy, the right-wing coalition government declared a 6-month state of emergency valid throughout the country due to the increasing arrivals of irregular migrants in the recent period.

The rapid increase in the number of irregular migrants arriving in Italy by crossing the Mediterranean in recent times has prompted the right-wing coalition government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, to take further steps. Prime Minister Meloni, in a written statement after the cabinet meeting, said: “We have taken a state of emergency on immigration so that the management of migration flows can respond more effectively and in a timely manner.”

In the letter made by the President of the Government after the Council of Ministers, the data on the density of migratory flows to Italy and the overcrowding in the first reception centers are examined, as well as the return of those who do not meet the asylum conditions. , both due to the needs of the immigrant reception centers and the forecasts that the arrival of immigrants will continue to increase in the coming months, it has been indicated that a state of alarm has been declared throughout the country to apply other emergency measures .

It has been reported that the state of alarm for the management of irregular migratory flows in the country will last 6 months and a resource of 5 million euros has been allocated for emergencies.

THOUSANDS OF MIGRANT FLOW TO ITALY

The right-wing coalition government led by Meloni limited the activities of ships belonging to Europe-based non-governmental organizations conducting rescue operations at sea, with another regulation issued as a decree law earlier this year.

Meanwhile, the irregular migration flow to Italy through North Africa continues. According to information reflected in the Italian press, the Italian Coast Guard teams rescued approximately 2,000 irregular migrants at sea in different operations from April 7 to 11. It was also reported that the rescue operation of a fishing boat carrying 800 immigrants off the island of Sicily continues.

According to data from the Ministry of the Interior, the number of irregular immigrants who arrived in Italy by crossing the Mediterranean between January 1 and April 11 was 31,292. In the same period last year, 7,928 irregular migrants arrived in Italy. (AA)