Slovenia prepares for thousands of migrants, detains others

Slovenia is preparing for a likely massive influx of "several thousand" refugees and migrants after Budapest closed the main crossing point from Serbia, the interior ministry said on Monday.

Ljubljana fears Budapest's decision to introduce tougher measures against migrants could force them to change their route and opt for crossing Croatia and Slovenia on their way towards Austria and Germany.

"In case of a sudden arrival of a large number of refugees, Slovenia could give shelter to several thousands, our capacities are being increased daily," interior ministry spokesman Bostjan Sefic said, urging municipalities and average citizens to show solidarity and host refugees in case of a large influx.

The central European country's authorities have said they were ready to accept the 861 refugees proposed by the European Commission's quota plan although other options are also being considered.

Slovenian police meanwhile said they detained Saturday the largest group of undocumented migrants this year.

Police spokesman Boris Ramot told journalists a group of 21 people, mostly from Afghanistan and Iran, were detained as they headed for Germany in a small bus driven by a Romanian citizen.

They were "interested in the economic status of our country which indicates they are economic migrants," Ramot said.

The driver will be tried for people smuggling while the migrants, including a four-year-old girl, will be held until the authorities decide whether to send them back to Hungary, from where they came.

Source: AFP