Greece to build new refugee camps, cut reception stays on islands

·

Greece, on the front line of migration into Europe, promised on Wednesday to build new reception centres for asylum seekers and refugees, and cut the maximum stay in camps on its now-overcrowded islands.

The country bore the brunt of a large influx of refugees and migrants into Europe in 2015 and 2016, many arriving via its outlying Aegean islands close to Turkey.

The flow has since ebbed significantly, though more than 90,000 migrants remain in Greece, of which about 19,000 live in filthy temporary camps, some for months or years.

Refugees make their way into Kara Tepe camp on the island of Lesvos, Greece. Photo: Reuters/Elias Marcou/File Photo.

READ MORE: Europe scrambles to address fate of homeless refugees after Greek camp fire.

Authorities will have finished the construction of better-equipped camps on the islands of Lesvos, Samos, Chios, Leros and Kos by the autumn of 2021, Migration Minister, Notis Mitarachi, said. None of the asylum seekers would be on an island for more than six months.

“In 12 months from today we should not have any of the legacy reception system we are seeing today,” Mitarachi told a news conference called to present the country’s migration strategy over the next two years.

Authorities were restructuring the asylum service to introduce remote and digital applications in order to faster process a backlog of about 87,000 asylum requests, he said.

In September, a fire razed Greece’s largest migrant camp on Lesvos, leaving about 12,000 people stranded. Most of them have now been moved to a temporary tent camp.

READ MORE: ‘A wake up call’: An Australian’s volunteering experience in Greece’s refugee camps.

The conservative New Democracy government, elected in July 2019, has taken a tougher stance towards migration than its left-wing predecessors. It has placed limits on an appeals process which previously took months or years to navigate.

Source: Reuters.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Cypriot courage remembered: Join the ANZAC Day March, keep their legacy alive 

On Anzac Day we commemorate the bravery and good deeds of Australian, New Zealand and Allied forces over many conflicts.

Orthodox Mission in Madagascar uplifted by Australian generosity

As Bishop Theophilos prepares to return to Madagascar, he issued a statement expressing his deep gratitude for the support and affection.

Aaron Zerefos Enterprises acquires Fresco Beverages 

Aaron Zerefos has announced the acquisition of the Fresco Beverages business, enhancing his hold on the Australian drink distribution market. 

Feros Group to take over premier waterfront venue in Darling Harbour

The Feros Group has announced they now own and operate the iconic Helm Bar & Bistro in Sydney's Darling Harbour.

Peter Mamouzelos aims to play in Greece as rugby league grows

Peter Mamouzelos has expressed his ambition to play rugby league in Greece, a goal that has been hindered in the past due to the sport's ban.

You May Also Like

Greek Jewish manuscripts ‘return home’ after being stolen by Nazis nearly 80 years ago

The Greek Jewish community is celebrating the return of a trove of community documents that the Nazis stole nearly 80 years ago.

Zoi Tsardoulias, Greek organisations among those leading Marrickville Town Hall multicultural project

Inner West Council has confirmed they are relaunching their plan to turn Marrickville Town Hall into a multicultural music and arts venue.

Australian Government left with millions of unusable COVID masks from suspicious retailer

The Australian government has been left with almost 46 million unusable face masks from a suspicious online retailer.