The Italian government announced a state of emergency in a statement on Tuesday to deal with the immigration issue following a "significant increase" in the flow of migrants across the Mediterranean. This step aims to improve the management of the reception process and the return of migrants to their home countries.
The Ministry of Sea and Civil Protection noted that the "state of emergency will be supported by an initial funding of five million euros (5.45 million dollars) and will last for six months." Minister of Sea and Civil Protection Nello Musumeci stated, "Let’s be clear, we are not solving the problem; the solution lies only in responsible intervention by the European Union."
A government source told Reuters that "the measure will allow Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government to expedite the procedures for returning those who are not allowed to stay in Italy, which will increase identification and deportation orders."
On Monday, coast guard forces led rescue operations for two boats carrying 1,200 people, with the involvement of charitable organizations in life-saving efforts.
After a boat sank off the Calabria region in late February, Meloni urged the European Union to make greater efforts to stop illegal immigration while tightening prison sentences for human traffickers.
The government, which took office in October, pledged to curb mass immigration; however, data from the Ministry of the Interior indicates that approximately 31,300 migrants have arrived in Italy since the beginning of 2023, marking an increase of about 7,900 migrants compared to the same period last year.
