Italy declares state of emergency over surge in migrant crossings.

Italy's cabinet has declared a state of emergency on immigration due to a surge in migrant crossings across the Mediterranean. The measure will allow the government to more quickly repatriate those not allowed to stay in Italy, boosting identification and expulsion orders. The state of emergency will be backed by initial funding of €5 million and will last for six months. The government has pledged to curb mass immigration, but over 31,300 migrants have arrived in Italy so far in 2023, up from around 7,900 in the same period last year. The Italian government has urged the European Union to do more to halt illegal immigration.