The provincial committee for public order and security convened on May 28 at the prefecture of Imperia, under the leadership of Prefect Valerio Massimo Romeo. It ordered to clear out the migrant camp along the Roya riverbank in Ventimiglia.

The committee approved an urgent eviction order soon to be endorsed by Ventimiglia's Mayor, Flavio Di Muro.

Currently, the local administration is assessing alternative housing options for the affected migrants. An exact date has not been communicated yet, but sources suggest the eviction will likely occur after next month's elections.

Meanwhile, given a decrease in migrant flows in the city and the committee's decision, the police chief of Imperia, Andrea Nicola Lo Iacono, will reconsider regular services. This includes maintaining police patrols, with a focus on individuals camping out in the city center, particularly near public areas post-closure at night, local authorities said.

Also read: Fences and cemetery guards to stop migrants in Ventimiglia

Flows, readmissions from France down

Migrant flows, meanwhile, have decreased, local sources said. Compared to the average 100 foreigners who were pushed back every day at the border with France between March and May 2023, with a daily presence in Ventimiglia of about 500 migrants, readmissions from France were between 10 and 15 a day over the same period this year.

Catholic charity Caritas, which assists families, minors and vulnerable people, has confirmed this trend. Although the charity can house up to 30 people, it currently doesn't accommodate more than 10 per day, according to the latest figures.

If migrant flows were to increase, however, the former Ferrotel building in the central Piazza della Stazione could be opened to migrants, local sources explained.

Also read: New emergency assistance center opens for migrants in Ventimiglia