Illegal migrants in Vajnory. (source: Facebook/Michal Vlček)
A rising number of illegal migrants stuck in Bratislava on the way to western Europe made the city declare an emergency situation the past weekend.
The movement of illegal migrants in Central Europe has been hampered since the reintroduction of border checks in the region. Slovakia tightened its border with Hungary last week.
Cooler temperatures also prompted Bratislava to make the announced step.
“It enables the city to provide necessary assistance more operatively and efficiently,” said the city’s spokesperson Peter Bubla, adding that it is the task of the state to deal with the situation.
Child almost died
The city, in cooperation with different organisations, has been providing emergency overnight accommodation for children, women and vulnerable people since last weekend. Food, medicines, translation services are also provided, the Sme daily writes.
“We would like to ask the public not to bring food or clothing at this time. Currently, our supplies are sufficient and no help from individuals is needed,” said the municipal police on Facebook.
Men mostly stay at the main railway station, the place from where they are trying to make it to neighbouring countries. Some can be seen near the Government Office, but many arrive to Bratislava’s Vajnory borough. This is where the Foreigners’ Police office is situated.
Most of these people come from Syria. The police also came across Turkish people.
The Interior Ministry is said to be putting up tents where illegal migrants are lingering this week. In the meantime, Vajnory has already erected heated tents on Regrútska Street.
“If there's free capacity, we will also take men in,” said Vajnory mayor Michal Vlček.
Children make up a tenth of illegal migrants. In Vajnory, a migrant child almost died on Monday morning.
“The child was highly hypothermic and fell unconscious,” the mayor told Denník N.
Vajnory has experienced the inflow of illegal migrants since summer. Back then they did not stay long.
Emergency declared in Banská Bystrica
Apart from Bratislava, Banská Bystrica also decided to declare an emergency situation due to illegal migrants. The city will provide a heated tent for illegal migrants. It will be put up in the Mičinská parking space.
“There are also mothers with children among the illegal migrants, so we want to create adequate conditions for them to at least warm up and have a rest,” said Banská Bystrica mayor Ján Nosko.
Unlike the summer, only dozens of illegal migrants are currently staying in the central Slovak town. Many continue their journey to the West. In Bratislava, it is estimated that several hundreds of illegal migrants are staying in the capital city at the moment.
The police have not recorded any crimes committed by the illegal migrants.
