Record numbers of migrants are attempting to cross the Mediterranean from Libya ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP/Getty ImagesItaly has dramatically increased its programme of repatriating economic migrants as it faces a record number of arrivals who have set out from Libyan beaches on packed boats. By the middle of last month 6,242 migrants had been put on flights home this year, mostly to North African countries such as Tunisia, said Marco Minniti, the Italian interior minister. The number represents a 24 per cent jump on the same period last year. “The challenge is getting countries to accept forced repatriations,” said Mr Minniti, who has become one of Italy’s most prominent ministers after a rise of 35 per cent in the number of migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean. He said he was working with other countries to cut to 30 days the…

Source: The Times May 02, 2017 15:59 UTC