Slovakia reinstates border controls with Hungary

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
4 Oct 2023 16:08

Slovakia to implement border controls with Hungary from October 5 to 14.

Czech policemen walk on patrol at the border with Slovakia near Stary Hrozenkov, Czech Republic, on Sept. 29, 2022. (AP)

The Slovak government, in response to the worsening situation involving illegal migration, has reportedly opted to implement temporary border controls with Hungary. The decision was reportedly reflected in documents endorsed during a cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.

"Due to the threat to public order and internal security caused by the increase in illegal migration, controls at the internal border of Slovakia with Hungary are reinstated," the documents read.

It is worth noting that Slovak controls on the border with Hungary, as specified in the documents, will be in effect from October 5 to October 14.

It has been reported that Poland, the Czech Republic, and Austria have put in place temporary border controls with Slovakia due to the rising number of undocumented migrants in Slovakia. These measures will be in effect for ten days, with a possibility of extension not exceeding two consecutive months.

During the first seven months of this year, Slovak police detained 17,529 undocumented migrants, representing an increase of 15,611 compared to the same period last year, as reported by the Balkan Insight news portal.

Additionally, it was noted that as of September 3, police had apprehended over 27,000 individuals. During a press conference in September, Slovak Police Chief Stefan Hamran mentioned that these migrants typically do not remain in Slovakia; instead, they continue to other European countries, particularly Germany and Austria, where they seek asylum.