A leader of the Egyptian community in Italy has warned of rising numbers of minor, illegal Egyptian migrants flowing on Italian coasts.
Ibrahim Yonis, who leads the Egyptian community in Turin, and a member of the city’s council of Arab communities, told Al-Masry Al-Youm there was a rising tide of illegal Egyptian immigrants aged between 13 and 17.
He said Italy has been receiving, almost weekly a boat carrying illegal migrants, most of whom are within that age group.
Younis added that the flow of Egyptian migrants witnessed a remarkable increase after the 2011 uprising in Egypt. He added, however, that many of the 120,000-member community are mulling a return back home given the now-unprofitable economic conditions in Italy.
Italy had frequently apprehended and deported illegal Egyptian migrants flowing on the country by sea with the help of smuggling gangs in search for work opportunities, but many had become victims of drowning on journey.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
