The number of migrants arriving in Italy has increased significantly; they are coming primarily from Libya, Tunisia and Algeria, the Chief Security Advisor to the Prime Minister said on the public service television news channel M1 on Wednesday morning.

György Bakondi said due to the measures implemented by the Italian left-liberal government, the boats of non-governmental organisations cooperating with people smugglers are active again, and are bringing in migrants in ever larger numbers.

The chief advisor stressed that in addition to the usual risks of illegal migration – such as the threat of terrorism, the burden imposed on social care systems and problems of internal security – the threat of the spread of the epidemic is emerging as a new risk. From among migrants arriving via the Greek migration route, 150 coronavirus patients have been identified so far, he added.

“The problem is that those arriving in Europe do not necessarily come into contact with the authorities, and so only those can be tested who have,” Mr Bakondi said.

He added that this is a new threat to the European Union which is in a difficult situation as it is.

(Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister/MTI)