Calais migrants face deadline to move on

Hundreds of migrants who have set up make-shift camp in Calais, in the hope of making it to the UK, face a deadline to move on.

A man walks in the "Jungle" migrants and refugee camp, in Calais on February 22, 2016. Source: Getty Images

People fleeing conflict and poverty in Africa, the Mideast and Asia are facing an evening deadline to move out of a camp in the French port of Calais that has become a flashpoint in Europe's migrant crisis.

Authorities, arguing that the slum-like site presents sanitary risks, warned camp residents last week that they have until 8pm on Tuesday (0600 AEDT Wednesday) to leave.

A decision is expected on Tuesday in a last-ditch effort by charity groups to delay the evacuation.

Officials estimate 800 to 1000 currently live there, but humanitarian groups contend the figure is more than 3000.

Regional administration head Fabienne Buccio said on Europe-1 radio that the expulsion order doesn't mean authorities will use force to evacuate the site.

Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve insisted the evacuation would be "progressive".