Security forces hold 52 irregular migrants in western Turkey

52 irregular migrants were held by gendarmerie forces in Turkey’s western İzmir province, the Governor’s office said in a statement on Thursday.

Ekleme: 21.04.2022 14:16:04 / Güncelleme: 21.04.2022 14:16:04 / English News / İzmir Haberleri
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The irregular migrants, including Afghan, Syrian, Yemeni, and Iranian nationals, were discovered crammed into two vans in the Kemalpaşa and Dikili districts, according to the statement.

The drivers of the vans were arrested on a charge of human smuggling, the statement said.

The necessary procedures for the deportation of the migrants have been launched, it added.

Historically, Turkey has been a country of origin, transit, and destination for migrants and was a crossroads between Europe and Asia.

Recent regional events have contributed to Turkey increasingly becoming a major destination and transit country for those fleeing conflict, poverty, and disasters.

Turkey hosts one of the largest migrant and refugee populations in the world. 

According to the official reports, the Turkish coast guard intercepted 21,473 irregular migrants in 2021, up from 19,368 in 2020. (ILKHA)