The Czechs will renew border controls in the face of a new wave of migrants

PRAGUE (AP) — The Czech government has decided to renew controls at its border with Slovakia amid a new wave of migration.

The new measure will come into force on Thursday at 27 border crossings between the two European Union countries belonging to the visa-free Schengen zone and will last for at least 10 days. A total of 560 police and customs officers will be deployed to carry out checks.

People will be prohibited from crossing the border at any other point on the 251 kilometer (155 mile) border. There are exceptions for farmers, foresters and fishermen working in border areas.

The Slovak government said on Tuesday it accepted the Czech decision but wanted to discuss the issue at EU level.

The Czech Interior Ministry said the measure was necessary after authorities arrested nearly 12,000 illegal migrants on Czech territory this year, most from Syria. This is more than during the previous massive migration wave in Europe in 2015. A total of 125 smugglers have been arrested this year, a significant increase compared to previous years.

The ministry said the refugees were using the Czech Republic as a transit country on their way west.

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The Associated Press

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