Aquarius migrants seek asylum, except 15 who face deportation
Friday, August 3, 2018 @ 1:02 AM
ALL bar 21 of the migrants on board the Aquariuswhich docked in Valencia in early June have applied for asylum, but the adults who have not done so could be facing deportation.
In total, 629 were rescued and 608 have filed for refugee status.
They were granted an immediate 45-day visa on humanitarian grounds, which will be extended until their asylum application is accepted or rejected and any appeal channels against the latter result exhausted.
But for those who have not applied, their visas are fast running out, meaning they may not be able to remain in the country.
Of the 21 in limbo, six are unaccompanied minors who are under a different régime – the regional governments where they are currently residing will keep them in care or in foster homes.
A further 71 of the migrants who arrived in Valencia on June 17 were reported to be minors, although doubts have been expressed about the ages of five of them, who may in fact be over 18.
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