Navy forces succeeded in preventing 440 individuals from illegally immigrating this week, Armed Forces spokesperson Ahmed Samir said on Wednesday.
The two groups were composed of two different nationalities, including Egyptians, and were found near the Mediterranean coast. The first group included 198 people, and the second included 242 people. One group was found near North Perlis City, and the other near Dar El-Hekma city.
The groups were taken to Abu Qir port and offered medical assistance. They will be transferred to other authorities for legal procedures.
Thousands of illegal immigrants cross the Mediterranean Sea every year, and Egypt has become a popular destination to begin the journey. Egyptians are also counted among these immigrants, most of whom end up travelling to Italy. Hundreds of Egyptian nationals have been repatriated from Italy with the help of the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.
