Italy Says Libyan Conflict Deepened Migration Crisis

Luciana Lamorgese, the Italian Minister of the Interior, told a Parliamentary Committee that the Libyan crisis has increased the number of illegal immigrants traveling to Europe.

Lamorgese pointed out at the hearing of the Schengen Parliamentary Committee that perhaps the deterioration of the dispute has contributed to the displacement of a significant number of people. With 9,139 migrants coming from Libya this year, this has had a negative impact on migration figures.

Lamorgese reported that the migrants could undergo their COVID-19 quarantine on an Italian vessel if bad weather and rough seas continued for several days. They will then be sent directly to the EU countries that have agreed to accept 100 of the refugees, with 25 being taken by Italy.

Initially, the ship was bound for Marseille in the south of France. According to Sea-Eye 's Gorden Isler, French authorities successfully persuaded Italy to allow the vessel to dock in the Mediterranean.

“We hope that the 125 rescued will be allowed to disembark in Sardinia, so they can be adequately cared for there,” Isler tweeted.