More than 111,000 migrants have reached Europe by sea so far this year, according to the International Organization for Migration (AFP)
CAIRO – 8 November 2018: The Libyan Coast Guard picked up Wednesday, Nov. 7, 315 migrants in the Mediterranean Sea, including Egyptians, aboard inflatable boats on their way to Europe.
According to Coast Guard spokesman Ayoub Qassem, the picked up migrants included 32 women and eight children.
Over the years, migrants, especially those whose countries witness long-lasting crises, have used the western coast to leave their countries for Europe.
President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi has exerted extensive efforts since he took post in 2014 in securing the Egyptian coasts and fighting illegal immigration, which is probably the reason behind Egyptians’ resorting to Libya for illegal immigration.
During the World Youth Forum held in the Red Sea city of Sharm el-Sheikh, Sisi addressed illegal immigration and unemployment, asking if those developed countries that suffer from illegal migrants are ready to offer job opportunities to youth in countries with high unemployment rates.
Earlier, during his visit to Berlin, Sisi also reviewed Egypt’s “remarkable” success in halting illegal immigration to Europe since September 2016.
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