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Second batch of migrants arrive in western Turkey

Xinhua, April 8, 2016 Adjust font size:

The second batch of migrants arrived in western Turkey on Friday, as a ferry carrying 45 people deported from the Greek island of Lesbos docked at the coastal town of Dikili under a deal with the European Union (EU), local media reported.

The migrants, reported to be all Pakistanis, will be transferred to a refugee center in Turkey's northwestern province of Kirklareli following health and security checks, Daily Sabah reported.

A second boat, carrying a larger number of migrants, was expected to arrive later in the afternoon, bringing the total number of migrants returned to Turkey since Monday to almost 350, the report said.

Around 200 Pakistani and Afghan migrants were sent back to Dikili on Monday from Greek islands.

Under the deal finalized with the EU last month, Ankara will take back all migrants, including Syrians, who have entered Greece illegally via Turkey since March 20 and are deemed ineligible for asylum in the continent.

In return, the EU will resettle the same amount of Syrian refugees being sheltered in Turkey, with the number capped at 72,000.

In addition, Ankara will have more financial aid from the EU, early visa-free travel for its citizens and an expedited process for its membership negotiations. Endit