Cairo International Airport received 22 Egyptians Saturday, after Italian authorities ordered their deportation for attempting to illegally enter the Mediterranean country.

The deportees, who arrived in Egypt aboard an Egyptian plane from Catania, reportedly traveled to Italy on a fishing boat, a security source with the airport said.

Their criminal record was checked by the airport authorities before they were allowed to enter the country, the source said.

Three of the deportees were convicted by court rulings, and they were arrested and handed over to security bodies,the source added.

Italy is the top destination for illegal migration by Egyptians to Europe.

Source: MENA