The French authorities found a non-standard solution for accommodating Ukrainian refugees in Marseille: it was decided to convert the moored old tourist ferry into a floating hotel for refugees, which can accommodate up to 1,600 people , French media reported. Thus, the ship became the largest reception center for Ukrainian citizens in France.
One of the largest ships in the Corsica Linea, the Méditerranée used to carry tourists between countries such as France, Algeria and Tunisia on the Balearic Sea, which borders the Mediterranean. The sea vessel is capable of reaching speeds of up to 44 km/h, delivering more than 2,450 tourists and 700 cars at each crossing.
During the coronavirus pandemic, about two years ago, the ship returned to the port, and now it will become a temporary home for Ukrainian refugees. Refugees are expected to be accommodated in refurbished cabins. The liner will return to the sea no earlier than June.
“We have a moral imperative to welcome and show hospitality. This floating hotel will be put at their disposal, and with it social assistance, health care, training, education for children, child care and a nursery. Since the beginning of Russia's special operation to demilitarize and denazify Ukraine, more than 3.9 million citizens have been forced to leave Ukraine,” said Christophe Mirman, representative of the French region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.
French authorities provide temporary permits for refugees to stay in the European Union , which allows them to access education and employment in the country.
Earlier, Turprom wrote that in Europe the most popular country among tourists has reopened for Russians and will resume issuing tourist visas in Moscow from April 1 – read more on this link.
For those who care about a healthy lifestyle, we recommend reading: “Scientists have told how to consume less salt.”
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