Security Forces Capture 105 Illegal Immigrants
Anadolu Agency
May 20 2004
EDIRNE – Security forces captured 105 illegal immigrants who were
trying to pass border in northwestern Edirne province in the last
two days.
A total of 26 Iraqis, 20 Bangladeshis, 14 Pakistanis, five Indians,
four Armenians, three Iranians, one Somalian and one South African,
who were trying to proceed to Greece illegally, were captured in Meric,
Ipsala and Uzunkopru towns of Edirne in the last two days.
Meanwhile, nine Somalians, six Nepalese, six Syrians, four Chinese,
three Georgians, one Algerian, one Iraqi and one Tunisian, who were
trying to enter Turkey illegally from Greece, were captured in Meric,
Ipsala and Uzunkopru towns of Edirne in the last two days.
Illegal immigrants will be deported after legal procedures.
Turkey is a route of illegal migration due to its geographical
location lying between Asia and Europe like a bridge with its rough
mountainous eastern and southeastern borders difficult to control.
Illegal immigrants from Middle Eastern, Asian and Far Eastern countries
generally use this route to sneak into European countries.
In the West, northwestern Edirne province and some other Aegean
provinces are routes for illegal immigrants to cross the border.
Particularly Meric River, a natural border between Turkey and Greece,
and Aegean provinces which are close to Greek Islands in the Aegean
Sea are used by illegal immigrants to go to European countries.
In recent years, there has been a considerable increase in the number
of illegal immigrants who were caught by the Turkish security forces
who stepped up security measures against illegal migration.