Gendarme Forces Capture 25 Illegal Immigrants In Izmir

IZMIR - Gendarme forces captured on Wednesday 25 illegal immigrants who were trying to proceed to Greece in western Izmir province.
A total of 18 Pakistanis, two Bangladeshis and five Afghans, who were trying to proceed to Greece illegally, were captured in Cesme and Dikili towns of Izmir.
Illegal immigrants will be deported after legal procedures.
Turkey is a route of illegal migration due to its geographical location lying between Asia and Europe like a bridge with its rough mountainous eastern and southeastern borders difficult to control. Illegal immigrants from Middle Eastern, Asian and Far Eastern countries generally use this route to sneak into European countries.
In the West, northwestern Edirne province and some other Aegean provinces are routes for illegal immigrants to cross the border. Particularly Meric River, a natural border between Turkey and Greece, and Aegean provinces which are close to Greek Islands in the Aegean Sea are used by illegal immigrants to go to European countries.
In recent years, there has been a considerable increase in the number of illegal immigrants who were caught by the Turkish security forces who stepped up security measures against illegal migration.
(GC-AÖ) 30.06.2004