Slovenian gov't endorses special measures against illegal migrants

The Slovenian government on Thursday endorsed amendments to the Aliens Act that would enable special measures to be adopted to deal with a surge in migrations that could be seen as a threat to public order or national security.

The controversial amendments are being sent to parliament for approval over concerns they might contravene constitutional provisions on human rights, the Slovenian Press Agency (STA) reported.

The bill would make it possible for the government to ask parliament to authorize police to prevent migrants who do not meet entry requirements from entering the country and send back those who enter the country illegally, the STA report described.

Police would also apply the measure to those seeking asylum or who have crossed illegally from another EU safe country of origin.

However, the measure would not apply if the migrant's life were in danger, at serious risk of being subject to torture, or due to health reasons.

The measure would also not apply to migrants who were unaccompanied minors, the STA report continued.

While changes to the Aliens' Act need a simple majority to pass in the National Assembly, the special measures envisaged in it would need to be endorsed by two-thirds of all Members of Parliament.

The measures would be implemented for a period of up to six months with the option of an extension. The National Assembly would also take a decision on ending the measures, but with a majority of all deputies.

The government adopted the amendments despite a call by NGOs to drop them on the grounds that they were in contravention of international law and the Slovenian Constitution. Endit