Frontex asserted that it had taken proactive measures to resolve the situation in a statement issued on September 20 by deciding to treble the number of hours that its surveillance planes would fly over the Central Mediterranean. EU Helpers reports.

Additional satellite imagery covering important migrant departure locations in Tunisia has also been made available by Frontex. Italy's monitoring skills at sea are to be improved, and its capability for potential search and rescue operations is to be strengthened.

We are actively working with the Italian authorities and are prepared to increase our assistance. This is a problem that affects all of Europe, not just Italy. We accept our joint obligation to protect the exterior borders of the EU.

Executive Director of Frontex Hans Leijtens

Frontex's support and presence in the Lampedusa region have greatly risen. Around 40 officers and staff members are presently stationed on the island to help the Italian authorities with the identification and registration of incoming people. With two planes located in Lampedusa and a drone operating from Malta to boost situational awareness, aerial surveillance is also a top focus.

Furthermore, Frontex is aggressively looking into ways to expand its presence in Lampedusa. Frontex states that in order to better combat the actions of criminal organizations engaged in people smuggling, officers may be sent to the island and boat patrol hours may be increased.

The authority also stated that it is prepared to increase its assistance for return initiatives in addition to these steps. Frontex plans to deploy additional return experts in this area, provide necessary training, and investigate the feasibility of carrying out identification missions in non-EU nations. All of these efforts, which are all intended to improve and streamline return procedures, will be implemented in direct response to the particular requests made by the Italian authorities.

Themis, a cooperative operation that includes 283 officers and staff, five ships, seven aircraft, 18 mobile offices, and four migration management vehicles, facilitates Frontex's involvement in Italy.