The Prístav shelter in Banská Bystrica. (source: SME)
Banská Bystrica, a major city in central Slovakia, has started providing temporary accommodation for illegal migrants who are passing through the city on their way to western Europe. Similar steps have now been taken in Prešov and in Bratislava.
Increased illegal migration prompted Banská Bystrica to declare an emergency situation in early October, following the example of Bratislava and Veľký Krtíš. Prešov took the same step on October 19.
However, the number of illegal migrants in Banská Bystrica has been falling for some time now.
Migrants are able to stay at the Prístav facility near Tulská Street. It is run by the Slovak Red Cross and can accommodate 25 people. Mothers and children are being given priority. According to the Interior Ministry, they account for about double the proportion recorded last year, rising from 8 percent to 16.31 percent. Two heated tents for 10 people have also been erected near to Prístav.
"It is our moral duty, but especially our duty as human beings, to help those who are in need," said the city's mayor, Ján Nosko.
A mother with seven children and a father with a son found temporary refuge in the facility right after it opened a week ago.
Banská Bystrica also plans to make public transport in the city free for illegal migrants, but only if they are accompanied by a volunteer approved by the city. The Material Aid Centre in the city has said that it can provide migrants with clothing and shoes. Health care is also available, if needed, the Slovak Red Cross said.
Heated tents from Bratislava to Prešov
Prešov, in eastern Slovakia, promised to build two heated tents for migrants in the nearby village of Ľubotice, where there is an office of the Foreigners' Police, by the end of this week. On October 17, a small facility owned by the Podaj Ďalej organisation near the Foreigners' Police office was made available for the needs of migrants.
The tents are being provided by the Interior Ministry. Heated tents have also been set up at crossing points along the border with Hungary, including at Komárno, Štúrovo and Šahy. In Bratislava's Vajnory borough, where another Foreigners' Police office is located, the ministry opened a temporary emergency shelter on October 19. A similar shelter stands in the city of Nitra.
In addition to overnight accommodation, the facilities are reported to be providing one hot meal a day and basic medical treatment.
The number of illegal migrants detained in July was 6,034 , rising to 9,089 in August, and 13,381 in September. As of October 15, the total number of illegal migrants detained this month had reached 4,162, the ministry reported.
