As to the Italian scenario, Unhcr is also very worried about the possible introduction of the crime of irregular entry, "because this would affect those who come by sea: the Mediterranean route is covered by the asylum seekers. One person out of 3 is an asylum seeker, one out of 5 receives some form of humanitarian protection. So, it is important to exempt asylum seekers and refugees from any regulation that could introduce the crime of irregular entry. Because this is the only way they have to come to Italy". At the meeting, Cristopher Hein, director of Cir (Consiglio italiano per i rifugiati Italian Refugee Council), spoke of the organisation’s opposition to the EU directive: "The only positive thing for Italy he stated is that the asylum seekers who have been denied asylum might legally go back to their countries through voluntary repatriation".
