Mayotte, still facing strong illegal immigration, has multiplied the deportations to the border in 2019. In total, they concerned 27,421 people, including 99% to the neighboring Comoros, said the prefect of Mayotte, Jean-François Colombet on Monday. An increase of 39% compared to 2017, he said during a global press point on delinquency. This figure exceeds the objective of 25,000 renewals set by the Minister of the Interior Christophe Castaner.
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In the 374 km2 archipelago, which became a French department in 2011, 48% of the 256,000 inhabitants are foreigners according to INSEE, 95% of whom are Comorians. Many of them try to cross from the Comorian island of Anjouan, 70 km away. In July, the body of a child found on the ribs had aroused a great deal of emotion.
Nine channels for illegal immigration dismantled
In 2019, nine illegal immigration channels were dismantled, according to the prefect. During the last operation led by the mobile border police search brigade (PAF), seven people, including a PAF official, were arrested and charged with examination for assistance with the entry and stay of foreigners. , active and passive corruption, before being placed in detention in Mayotte. This network is suspected of having made 130 trips between Anjouan (Comoros island) and Mayotte in a year.