![Austria-Slovak border controls extended until November 2](https://dazzlingdawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Austrian-Border-with-slovak.jpg)
In an effort to limit the increase in the number of illegal migrants, Austrian authorities have decided to extend controls at the border with Slovakia until at least November 2.
A similar measure was also endorsed by the Czech Republic and Poland.
In a coordinated approach, the three countries introduced border controls with Slovakia on October 4, although the decision was initially supposed to be in force until October 13.
But these measures have begun to yield positive results in these countries' fight against illegal migration. Furthermore, Polish Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration Maciej Wąsik said the migration situation in Poland has improved thanks to the border control measures introduced. Deputy Minister of Interior and Administration said that illegal border crossing attempts are not a local problem but a European problem, emphasizing that these people are waiting for the situation to change or are looking for ways new consciousness.
However, Slovak Prime Minister Ludovit Odor criticized such a decision, emphasizing the need to find a solution to the migrant problem on a European scale.
Despite these criticisms, Slovak authorities have also taken measures to control their border with Hungary due to concerns about the situation of migrants.
Furthermore, such measure introduced on October 5, initially in force until October, has been extended until at least November 3.
The new decision was confirmed by a statement provided by the Slovak government. Data provided by the Slovakian government revealed that the number of migrants trying to reach the country has increased 11-fold to nearly 4,000 this year.
Slovak authorities have recorded many migrants arriving there, mainly from Serbia through Hungary and towards wealthier European countries.
Slovak authorities saw a total of 24,500 illegal migrants trying to reach the country between January and August this year, compared to 10,900 recorded throughout last year.