250 undocumented migrants held across Turkey

EDİRNE/HATAY - Anadolu Agency

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At least 250 undocumented migrants -- Syrian, Pakistan and Bangladesh nationals -- were held across Turkey, security sources said on June 1.

Security forces rounded up 225 undocumented migrants who illegally crossed into Turkey in İpsala and Meriç in the western Edirne province, said the sources, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

The migrants were sent to the province's immigration office.

Separately, another 27 undocumented migrants -- all Syrian nationals -- were caught in Altınözü in the Hatay province after crossing illegally into Turkey from Syria, said security sources.

Turkey has been the main route for refugees trying to cross into Europe, especially since 2011, the start of Syria's civil war.

Among the migrants held in 2017 in Turkey, the majority came from Pakistan -- around 15,000 -- followed by Afghans at around 12,000. Syrians totalled 10,000.