Italian border police reported an increase in stolen and falsified passports and visas detected at the Pisa airport in 2023 compared to the previous year, posing risks of uncontrolled migration and movement of wanted criminals.
Surge in Seized Fraudulent Documents
According to the Border Police Office in Pisa, they arrested 21 individuals, including those with arrest warrants.
They also reported 45 people for possessing fake passports and visas, some containing altered Italian entry permits stolen from the consulate in Pakistan.
The number of confiscated falsified travel documents rose from 2022.
Authorities Turn Back Over 100 Foreigners
Around 130 foreigners were denied entry and returned to their home countries, a 50% increase from 2022.
Fifteen percent overstayed the 90-day limit in the Schengen Area.
Over 796,000 people underwent immigration checks at the Pisa airport, up almost 15%.
Fines Imposed on Non-Compliant Airlines
Police fined airlines over €20,000 on 20 instances for violating border regulations.
Penalties were also issued for breaching aviation rules.
Checks focused on travelers without proper visas as per international pacts, some attempting illegal entry.
Security Boosted Amid Concerns
The inspections come amid tightened border security over fears of militant violence due to the Israel-Hamas war.
Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia implemented stricter controls in October.
Italy reintroduced checks with Slovenia for 10 days, which was later extended.
The measures aim to curb irregular migration.
New Visa Rules on Horizon for Visitors
The rise in false documents will likely spur discussion on tightening requirements for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), set to launch in May 2025.
ETIAS will require travelers from over 60 countries to obtain pre-travel approval before entering Europe’s Schengen Area.
With Italy intercepting more visa fraud, the screening process and eligibility criteria for ETIAS could become more stringent.
This may mean more background checks, higher fees, or restrictions for visitors from certain nations.
Schengen Area May Reassess Open Borders
The news also signals a potential shift in immigration policy across the 27 Schengen members.
As transit between countries gets easier, bolstering external borders has become a priority.
However, some experts said that reinstating internal border controls may be needed to curb unauthorized migration.
Temporary checkpoints between Schengen countries could disrupt cross-border commutes while impacting trade and families.
However, proponents argued that ID checks are essential to stop unlawful entry by land.
Italy’s discovery of fake visas will likely intensify the debate over balancing security and open borders.
Tighter Security Necessary to Maintain Order
The increased border vigilance demonstrates Italy’s commitment to upholding security and immigration laws.
While the heightened measures may cause some inconvenience, experts said that they are crucial to mitigate threats and stop the inflow of undocumented migrants.
With forged passports becoming more sophisticated, officers must remain alert in screening travelers.
As the Schengen Area continues expanding, member states must cooperate closely to enforce shared borders.
Ultimately, Italy’s actions set an example for the bloc to follow amid rising global instability.