(VOVworld) – Austria’s Interior Minister Johanna Mikl-Leitner warned Thursday that the number of migrants crossing the Mediterranean to Italy may double this year from 150,000 in 2015 to 300,000, due to the closure of the Balkan route. The migrants are not only from Syria, but also from North African countries who do not have asylum rights.

Austria warns migrants to Italy may double this year (Photo: Stefania Fumo)

The same day, Turkey gave temporary shelter to Syrians sent back from Greece, as required by its agreement with the European Union.