The number of migrants crossing the central Mediterranean towards Europe from January to April this year is unprecedented, much higher than during the same period in 2022, Le Figaro newspaper reported Friday.
From January to April, according to EU border agency Frontex, the number of illegal arrivals to the European Union through the central Mediterranean increased by almost 300 percent compared to last year, reaching a figure of 42,200.
This is slightly more than half of all illegal entries into the EU in all directions recorded this year.
Particularly many migrants arrived in Europe via Tunisia. Compared to 2022, their number increased by 1,100%.
The migrants cross the sea in small boats that are made for them right on shore at a cost of about 1,000 euros. Gangs of smugglers are becoming more and more organized, and this partly explains the increasing influx of illegals into the EU, Frontex said.
A new application “TurBOT about IDPs” has started working in Ukraine: the chatbot is designed to help internally displaced persons integrate into the host communities, the Ministry of Reintegration of the temporarily occupied territory reports.
“For example, with the help of a chat-bot it will be possible to find housing in the new region, find out what documents are necessary to obtain IDP status, how and where to get help, addresses and phone numbers of the CPAU and the like. For convenience, all the information in the chat-bot is grouped by relevant sections,” reads the report of the Ministry of Information in Telegram-channel on Saturday.
Reportedly, so far the application has been developed for four cities: Kiev, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk and Chernovtsy. In the future it is planned to increase the number of settlements where it will work.
The project is realized by Crimean Tatar Resource Center within the framework of Social Activism Program “Join Us!” financed by the USAID and implemented by Pact in Ukraine.
To use the “TurBOT about IDPs” chatbot, you should use the link. (https://t.me/chat_bot_vpo_bot)
Ratio of number of Ukrainian migrants to population of recipient countries as of 31.12.2022, %
Source: Open4Business.com.ua and experts.news
Ratio of number of Ukrainian migrants to population of recipient countries as of 03.10.2022, %
Source: Open4Business.com.ua and experts.news
Tens of thousands of migrants will be able to legally stay in Germany after the country passed a law that makes it easier for them to obtain documents for permanent residence, the Associated Press (AP) reported on Wednesday.
“We want people who have already settled here to have good opportunities,” German Interior Minister Nancy Feather was quoted as saying by the AP.
“Also through this law, we will put an end to bureaucracy and uncertainty for people who have become part of society,” she added.
The new measure will affect around 136,000 people who have lived in Germany for at least five years.
At the same time, these people must have a decent salary, speak German and prove that they have integrated well into society.
Those who meet the necessary requirements can first apply for a residence status in Germany for a period of one year, and then for a permanent residence permit in the country.
People under 27 can apply for permanent residence after they have lived in the country for at least three years.
Information technology specialists, as well as some other specialists that Germany needs, will have the opportunity to move with their families, which was not possible before. In addition, the law will make it easier to enroll in German language courses for refugees, as well as facilitate the deportation of criminals.
Engineering and construction company Rauta has developed master plans for the construction of prefabricated camps for internally displaced persons, which provide for the construction of houses from sandwich panels.
“The concept of camps for migrants is based on the highest possible speed of construction, comfortable layouts and increased energy efficiency. The unification of production processes and ease of installation make it possible to ensure mass construction of camps in any region of Ukraine in a matter of months,” Andriy Ozeichuk, Director of Rauta, who was quoted by the press company service, said.
According to him, the master plans take into account various needs and funding opportunities. At the same time, houses made of sandwich panels can be effectively operated for several decades. Terms of implementation of small towns are 3-12 months, depending on building area.
In addition, if the need for settlements disappears over time, houses can be dismantled and moved to another location, as well as repurposed to perform new functions: recreation centers, administrative centers, outpatient clinics, small retail or office buildings, etc. Sandwich panels can also be efficiently disposed of.
Engineering and construction company Rauta is engaged in the design of buildings, supply, installation and maintenance of frames, sandwich panels, facades, prefabricated buildings, etc. The company acts as an exclusive supplier of products of the Finnish concern Ruuki to Ukraine.
