The number of illegal immigrants entering Italy doubled in the first seven months of the year compared to the same period in 2007, Rome says. The figures come in spite of a government crackdown on crime and an increase in the number of deportations.
More than 15,000 illegal immigrants entered the EU via Italy between January and July, Interior Minister Roberto Maroni said. Mr Maroni, whose Northern League party formed part of the right-wing government coalition, has campaigned strongly against clandestine immigration.
Most of the illegal immigrants come across the Mediterranean Sea from North Africa. Many illegal immigrants arrive on boats organised by people traffickers.
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has launched a crackdown on crime, which most Italians associate with illegal immigration. He brought in stringent new measures making it an offence punishable by up to four years jail to enter the country illegally. |