Italian minister Roberto Maroni and his Tunisian counterpart Rafik Belhaj have agreed to step up the fight against illegal immigration and human trafficking and related criminal organizations behind such activity. The two also agreed to simplify and speed up procedures to identify illegal Tunisian migrants held in Italian detention centers. The deportation of illegal Tunisian migrants will be assisted by European Union funds and international organizations in the region, in addition to speeding up the repatriation process.
The agreement follows Maroni’s visit to Tunisia, spurred following protests by illegal immigrants held in Italy’s overcrowded detention center in Lampedusa. Maroni also announced plans to build a new detention center on the island.
