REVEALED: Influx of migrants could be housed in camps for 18 MONTHS before being sent home
MIGRANTS flooding into Europe from over the Mediterranean may be held in camps for up to 18 months before they are sent home.
Migrants make the perilous journey across the Med
The European Union's leaked plans are part of a new "intelligence infusion cell" in Sicily, set up to detain migrants travelling across the Mediterranean.
The government revealed yesterday that it was sending officers from the National Crime Agency to help with the operation.
Many of the tens of thousands of migrants arriving in the country are usually held for up to six months.
However, this could be extended if they do not cooperate with officials.
The proposals were outlined in a letter to Dimitris Avramapoulous, the EU's commissioner for migration.
The leaked proposals could mean migrants are detained for 18 months
We have to break the link that enables someone to get on a boat and then claim asylum in Europe
Mr Avramapoulous said illegal immigrants "should be detained as a legitimate measure of last resort" to ensure they are sent back.
He said: ""Where there is a reasonable probability of repatriation the prospects of repatriation should not be ruined by a premature end to detention."
Chancellor George Osborne said that political leaders have to "break the link" that allows people to board a boat in Africa and claim asylum in Europe.
He said: "Taking people out of the water and rescuing them and their lives is absolutely essential.
"But we have to break the link that enables someone to get on a boat and then claim asylum in Europe."
David Cameron has argued that more and more people will attempt to cross the Mediterranean if Europe does not start sending them home.
He said: "We need a comprehensive approach… that goes after the criminal gangs."