ROME, July 26: More than 200 illegal immigrants arrived in Italy on Saturday, a day after the government extended a state of emergency to try to combat the problem, the Ansa news agency said.

More than 130 immigrants landed from several boats along the west coast of Sardinia and a helicopter spotted three other boats off the coast.

The arrivals were transferred to a reception centre set up in the grounds of the main airport near Cagliari.

In addition, a boat carrying 79 people was intercepted south of the island of Lampedusa.

The cabinet on Friday extended a state of emergency to cover the whole country because of the “persistant and exceptional influx” of illegal immigrants.

The government said the measure was aimed at “intensifying efforts to combat and control the phenomenon.” The state of emergency was first imposed in 2002, but restricted to three southern regions earlier this year.

Interior Minister Roberto Maroni stressed that the measure would allow the government to step up assistance to illegal immigrants and house them in permanent structures in all regions.

—AFP