Italy reaching refugee limit

ROME: Italy has threatened to turn away charity boats packed with rescued migrants because it is struggling to cope with the huge numbers arriving from Africa.

With almost 12 000 expected in coming days, officials warned that they are prepared to take drastic action.

In a deepening row with the EU over its position as the frontline of Europe’s migration crisis, Italy warned that the current situation is “unsustainable”. The threat to ban boats operated by charities comes as they are accused of running a “taxi service” across the Mediterranean.

The proposal by ministers could see boats not flying the Italian flag or not belonging to an official EU-endorsed mission refused docking rights.

Charities and other NGOs are accused of colluding with people-smuggling groups in Libya. But the NGOs say this is a political smear and if they did not help, the numbers of deaths would be even higher.

Figures compiled by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees show almost 78 742 have arrived in Italy so far compared to 67 702 over the same period in 2016 – a 16% increase.

Italy’s EU minister Sandro Gozi warned “Italy is really reaching its limit”. There is growing anger in Rome that other EU countries have not acted on an agreement to take in some asylum seekers to ease pressure on Italy.

Brussels had begun legal action against Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic for refusing to take an agreed share. – Daily Mail