The Caritas charity in Ventimiglia denounced that the passage of migrants has resumed in the border area between Italy and France, as well as pushbacks of foreigners by French authorities.
The organization Caritas Intemelia said that the passage of migrants, mainly Afghans, has resumed at the Italy-France border in Ventimiglia.
It also said that pushbacks by French authorities, including of mothers with children, are continuing.
The organization has reopened its socio-legal assistance office in via San Secondo in Ventimiglia.
'We will evaluate possibile legalizations'
Maurizio Marmo, director of Caritas Intemelia, said the organization will evaluate possible cases for migrants to acquire legal status.
"In light of the new decree that provides for the legalization of foreigners in Italy who have the necessary requirements, we will examine individual situations, evaluating the possibility for legalization," Marmo said.
Caritas is also awaiting information about developments at the Parco Roya migrant reception center, which has been under quarantine for weeks after a guest tested positive for COVID-19.
'Very few crossings in last two months'
"In the last two months, we have recorded very few crossings," Marmo said. "At the moment our residence is full and the soup kitchen is still closed due to the health emergency, but we continue to distribute food packages to those who are in transit," he said.
Regarding pushbacks at the border, he said: "We understand that a Moroccan mother and a Senegalese mother were sent back, with children younger than 10 years old, who were assisted by volunteers from other humanitarian organisations."
The Caritas socio-legal service has been implemented in collaboration with the Waldensian Deaconry's Migrant Service and the non-profit organisation WeWorld.