Nearly 1,700 irregular migrants held in Istanbul

Afghan irregular migrants, taken to the repatriation centre for procedures, are seen at Istanbul Airport to be deported in Istanbul, Turkey on August 13, 2021 [İslam Yakut – Anadolu Agency]

A total of 1,682 irregular migrants were held across Istanbul on Saturday, security sources said, according to Anadolu Agency.

Turkish security units, in coordination with the Anti-Migrant Smuggling Branch, held irregular migrants at various public areas in various districts of Istanbul, said the source on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

All of the migrants were referred to local migration offices for due process.

In May, the Interior Ministry said that Turkey has so far deported more than 28,500 irregular migrants this year.

Turkey has been a key transit point for irregular migrants aiming to cross to Europe to start new lives, especially those fleeing war and persecution.

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