Huge influx of migrants creates a crisis in Lampedusa

July 19, 2013

More than 700 migrants and refugees reached Lampedusa in the course of one day, creating an administrative crisis on the Italian island that Pope Francis had visited last week to dramatize the plight of migrants.

Lampedusa is a stopping point in the Mediterranean for many migrants from northern Africa, and thousands arrive there every year. But the island’s immigration center is built to hold only 300 people.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• More than 700 migrants arrive in Lampedusa in 24 hours (ANSA)