by InTrieste
Dozens of asylum seekers have been camping under a canopy at the entrance to Porto Vecchio, with only a few personal belongings, some blankets, and emergency information at hand. These individuals, who have not yet gained access to official reception facilities, have been sleeping on the streets for weeks, according to local solidarity organizations, and have faced repeated evictions by authorities.
Data from the Italian Council for Refugees (ICS) indicate that 113 asylum seekers are currently awaiting accommodation — all of whom have already filed their applications. Roughly half have been living outdoors for three weeks or more, many with medical needs or other vulnerabilities. Once an application is submitted, applicants are entitled to housing, but transfers to facilities organized by the Prefecture, which increased in July, have slowed during August.
The situation aligns with a slight decrease in arrivals to Trieste via the Balkan route, monitored by Diaconia Valdese, in recent months.
Local associations have also reported instances of abuse, including the confiscation of blankets and personal belongings during an eviction on August 12.
In response, solidarity groups from across Italy have sent hundreds of blankets to assist asylum seekers enduring the prolonged wait for official housing.
