Ankara -- Turkish Interior Minister Besir Atalay announced yesterday that more than 300,000 illegal migrants were caught in Turkey between 2004 and 2008.

Replying to a written question from a Turkish Parliamentarian, Atalay said no refugee status has been given to any foreigners since 2005. More than 4,500 foreigners who were working illegally were captured and legal procedures were applied, Atalay said.