Daily report
Arrivals and Departures
During the first four months of 2016 27,893 people arrived by sea to Italy. During the same period in 2015, 26,228 people disembarked which constitutes an increase of 6%. In Italy, the number of refugees and migrants who arrived in April was noted to be 9,116. As compared to the same month in 2015 (16,063), the total number of arrivals has dropped by more than half (57%).
More than one million asylum-seekers arrived in Germany in 2015, resulting in a significant backlog of pending asylum applications. The number of new arrivals has significantly dropped in recent weeks since the so-called Balkan refugee and migrant route was closed last month.
Death at Sea
Two shipwrecks occurred near the coast of Libya. One boat with 120 people on board sunk during a search and rescue operation on 29 April. Reportedly, 15 people drowned. On 30 April, a rubber boat which had left Sabrata in Libya with 110 persons on board was damaged. 27 people were later rescued by a merchant vessel.
Condition of People
German authorities announced on Thursday, 28 April, that all asylum applications will be processed by the end of 2016, according to the head of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. Around 400,000 asylum cases are pending and another 300,000 people are waiting for a date to be set to commence their asylum procedure.
In Austria, in 2015, 85,798 people lodged asylum claims, which constitutes an increase by almost 215% in comparison to 2014. Most were from Afghan nationals (over 25,560), followed by Syrians (almost 24,550) and Iraqis (approx. 13,630). The asylum recognition rate stood at 35% with over 80% of recognition for Syrians. In addition, 2,478 people were granted subsidiary protection.
The Greek Alternate Minister of Migration Policy, Yannis Mouzalas, announced that the 380 unaccompanied children at the Moria facility in Lesvos will be transferred to a different location. The decision came following riots on Tuesday, 28 April, mostly from unaccompanied children.
Critical Developments
The European Commission will report on Turkey’s progress in meeting the 72 benchmarks required for visa-free access to the EU on Wednesday. The visa liberalisation is a key component of the EU-Turkey agreement of 18 March. Also on Wednesday, the European Commission will present a proposal to reform the Dublin Regulation.
In Hungary, a temporary tented reception centre with capacity for 300 people is being established in Körmend near the Austrian border.