Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Veysi Kaynak said on Sunday on a live TV show that 3 million mostly Afghan refugees are getting ready to enter Turkey illegally.
“Based on our intelligence, there are 3 million mostly Afghan refugees in Iran who are moving towards Turkey,” Kaynak said, adding that in 2016 alone 30,000 refugees made it to Turkey through the eastern provinces of Ağrı and Iğdır.
Reiterating the criticism of the government for a readmission deal with the European Union, Kaynak said the deal is not sustainable under current circumstances. He called on the EU to fulfill its responsibilities.
According to the readmission agreement, Turkey was to take back refugees who travel to Europe illegally via Turkey in return for financial aid and prospective visa liberalization for Turkish citizens.