(ANSAmed) - ROME, OCTOBER 15 - An estimated 25,000 migrants
trying to reach Europe from North Africa were rescued from the
Mediterranean sea since the beginning of this year, the deputy
head of the interior ministry's immigration and civil liberties
department, Riccardo Compagnucci, said on Tuesday at a meeting
in Rome promoted by the Italian Council for Refugees.
According to Italian interior ministry data, out of the
migrants who landed on Italy's coasts, 9,805 were Syrian
nationals, 8,843 were Eritrean, 3,140 Somali, 879 Afghan and
1,058 hailed from Mali.
About 21,000 left from Libya while an estimated 8,000 took
off from Egypt.
Overall 35,085 migrants landed on Italy's coasts since January 1, 2013, Compagnucci said. Some 24,000, about 73%, had a right to be protected under Italian law. (ANSAmed)
Overall 35,085 migrants landed on Italy's coasts since January 1, 2013, Compagnucci said. Some 24,000, about 73%, had a right to be protected under Italian law. (ANSAmed)