A six-month state of emergency has been declared in Italy due to the massive influx of migrants from Africa.
More than 8,000 illegal immigrants tried to enter the country in just three days. SIA reports that the country’s authorities have informed about this.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called on the European Union to help Italy.
The most affected southern regions will receive aid in the amount of five million euros, which will be used to open new refugee reception centers.
During the period of the state of emergency, the opening of such centers will be easier and faster, and at the same time the procedure for the deportation of illegal migrants will be simplified.
It should be noted that more than 31,000 illegal migrants from Africa and the Middle East have arrived in Italy since the beginning of the year.
Currently, the number of illegal migrants on the Italian island of Lampedusa exceeds the number of local residents, and riots have begun in the region. The escalation came after a record number of illegal immigrants – more than 6,000 people – arrived in two days, according to local authorities.
A scuffle broke out during the distribution of food at the temporary accommodation center, which was designed for 400 people and was fully booked. Migrants have created a crowd at a Red Cross distribution point for food and water. The police had to intervene to stop the crowd. Similar clashes took place at the port of Lampedusa, where hundreds of migrants demanded immediate transfer to other places. The police had to use force to stop them. Losses are not reported.
Meanwhile, France is strengthening its borders with Italy, and Germany is suspending asylum seekers from Italy.
