According to Frontex, illegal migration to the EU is at its highest level since 2016. 228,240 illegal border crossings were detected between January and September, the EU border security authority announced on Thursday. This corresponds to an increase of 70 percent compared to the same period last year. Ukrainian refugees were not counted.
With 106,396 cases, most people came via the western Balkan route, according to Frontext, an increase of 170 percent from the same period last year. According to Frontex, these were mainly Syrians, Afghans and Turks.
“The high number of illegal border crossings can be attributed to repeated attempts by migrants already in the Western Balkans,” Frontex said.
Mediterranean route also crowded
The second most common route for migrants came via the Central Mediterranean route. 65,572 people tried to reach the EU in this way. This corresponds to an increase of 42 percent. According to Frontex, mainly Tunisians, Egyptians and Bangladeshis came via this route.
According to Frontex, the number of migrants trying to enter the UK through the English Channel has also risen. This year, at the end of September, there were 52,700 migrants, more than in the whole of last year.
Karner warns: ‘Maybe we’ll need tents soon’
Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) expects refugee numbers to remain high due to the situation in Ukraine and Serbia’s announcement that it will change its visa policy by the end of the year, Karner said.
That is why the state conference on refugees on Thursday was about creating further housing options, among other things. Additional measures are needed in all states, “Tents may also need to be set up,” says Karner.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
