site.btaUPDATED 32 Illegal Migrants Detained by Border Police in Burgas

A total of 32 illegal migrants and their driver were detained at the Poda checkpoint at the entrance to the city of Burgas, on the Black Sea, on Saturday evening, Border Police General Directorate Director Anton Zlatanov told BTA on Sunday.

Chief Commissioner Zlatanov stressed that the migrants were effectively rescued by law enforcement officers, as they were in poor physical condition as a result of dehydration. They were examined, but none of them was admitted to hospital.

All those detained are currently being held in custody.

"There is nothing surprising about this case. We expect increased migratory pressure throughout the summer," the Border Police Director added.

Later on Sunday, Zlatanov told a briefing that the driver is a 59-year-old Bulgarian citizen, who holds two university degrees and has no criminal record.

According to him, the profile of the man, who was last employed in Burgas, differs from that of typical offenders. Fast-track criminal proceedings have been initiated against him. When the vehicle was stopped by border patrol officers, he complied with their orders and did not attempt to flee, Zlatanov specified.

He also said that the procedures under the new rules of the European Union's Migration Pact are already being applied to the apprehended foreign nationals. They are currently undergoing the so-called screening procedure.

The new rules allow migrants to be held in specialised screening centres at entry and exit border points for up to seven days before being accommodated in migrant reception facilities, Zlatanov also noted.