Over 500 irregular migrants held in Istanbul referred to repatriation center

ISTANBUL

As many as 547 irregular migrants were referred to repatriation center, the Istanbul governor said on Wednesday.

The migrants, including 167 Afghan nationals, were held on Tuesday during search operations across Istanbul's 18 districts, Ali Yerlikaya tweeted.

Turkey has been a key transit point for asylum seekers who want to cross into Europe to start new lives, especially those fleeing war and persecution.

Turkey, which already hosts 4 million refugees, more than any country in the world, is taking new security measures within and on borders to prevent a fresh influx of migrants.

* Writing by Ahmet Gencturk in Ankara