Coronavirus: Europe could see surge in refugees as pandemic hits poorer countries, says EU asylum agency

The potential resurgence of Isis and the increasing likelihood of major economic disruption and famine in less developed nations could trigger an increase in people fleeing to the UK and other European countries, reports May Bulman

EU asylum agency report warns of ‘havoc’ in less developed nations (Reuters)

Britain and Europe could see a surge in people seeking asylum if the coronavirus pandemic starts to take hold in poorer countries, according to the EU asylum agency.

The virus could “wreak havoc” in less developed nations where there are often fewer hospital beds and medical doctors per capita, crowded living conditions, and a lack of access to hand-washing facilities, the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) said.

The report states that these factors, combined with the potential for food shortages and security destabilisation should Covid-19 take hold, could trigger an increase in the number of asylum seekers fleeing to Europe in years to come.