Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Israel begins rounding up African migrants

 

Monday 11 June 2012 14:47 BST
Comments

Israeli authorities say they have detained dozens of migrants from South Sudan who have entered the country illegally.

Interior Ministry spokeswoman Sabine Hadad says 55 people were rounded up early today as part of a broader crackdown on unauthorised immigration planned by the government. Last week, a Jerusalem court ruled that the estimated 4,500 migrants from South Sudan in Israel could be expelled.

Some 60,000 Africans have trekked through Egypt and other countries to reach Israel over the past few years. Many are looking for work, while others are seeking political asylum.

Israel has offered cash incentives to those who leave voluntarily.

AP

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in