Police detain 388 unlawful entrants, with recent arrests only in Tallinn

Estonia’s Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) has detained 388 foreigners who entered the country without a legal basis since July, with detentions in recent weeks taking place only in Tallinn, ERR reported. Fifteen people are suspected of organising illegal migration.

As of Tuesday, 258 foreigners were being held at the detention centre in Tallinn. Another 148 people who entered the European Union through the Belarus-Latvia border have been handed over to Latvia.

“Each handover is essentially a logistical operation. Its success requires verified information about the foreigners’ routes, origins and intentions, as well as agreements between the authorities of both countries,” said Indrek Aru, head of the Border Guard Bureau at the North Prefecture.

The PPA’s policy is to transfer larger groups of foreigners at a time.

Some people at the detention centre have sought medical attention for cold-like symptoms and skin rashes. Foreigners with high fevers were taken to West Tallinn Central Hospital, which provides healthcare services to the centre. One person remains in hospital and is expected to return to the detention centre in the coming days, Aru said.

Under the arrangements between the centre and hospital, people with health concerns are taken to hospital for tests and treatment, after which the hospital gives the centre instructions on their care. This can include a recommendation to isolate someone if their condition requires it.

The hospital does not share detailed test results or diagnoses with the detention centre. Aru said staff are given the information they need to take immediate steps to limit the spread of illness, including isolation or quarantine, while diagnoses remain protected under personal data rules.