Moria migrants transferred to Athens construct ‘makeshift camp’ in Victoria Square

·

Hundreds of migrants crowded around Victoria Square in Athens on Tuesday night after being forcibly transferred from the Moria refugee camp.

Following an announcement by the government, thousands of people who have secured refugee status must leave facilities such as Moria and the Pyli detention centre.

Migrants have subsequently turned Victoria Square into a temporary makeshift camp, unclear where to reside. Police intervened on Monday to transfer the migrants and refugees to state facilities at Elaionas and Amygdaleza, but it remained unclear if such police operations will continue. 

Aniha with her children in Victoria Square. Photo: Efsyn

The problem at Victoria was broached during an Athens City council meeting on Monday with officials underlining the need for authorities to offer food and shelter to the refugees. Nasos Iliopoulos, a leftist SYRIZA official and head of the Anoixti Poli (Open City) movement, on Monday visited the square.

“Local residents and businesses can see that the situation taking shape is reprehensible both for the homeless refugees as it is for the quality of life in their neighbourhood, which is only just starting to recover after a series of crises,” Anoixti Poli said.

Photo: Ekatherimini

The ILIOS program of the International Organization for Migration provides for the rental subsidy for recognised refugees for 6 months, but they must first have found an apartment location.

The situation in Victoria Square is a small example of what Greek streets may become, following the Minister of Immigration and Asylum, Notis Mitarakis, insisting on evicting 11,000 refugees from structures and apartments, without solutions for the next day.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Applications open for the Cultural Program of the 44th Greek Festival of Sydney 2026

Submissions are open for the 44th Greek Festival of Sydney - artists, performers, writers and creatives are invited to apply by 21 November.

Greeks and Serbs unite in Sydney for 31st Annual Day of Friendship

The Greek and Serbian communities of Sydney came together for the 31st Annual Greek-Serbian Orthodox & Cultural Friendship Day.

When grammar meets glendi at Melbourne’s Greek School Celebration

The Stars International Reception Hall in Preston pulsed with music, laughter, and the sound of Greek on Saturday night.

‘It was fate’: Renos Haralambidis to attend Sydney Greek Film Festival milestone

Renowned Greek filmmaker Renos Haralambidis will be guest of honour at the 30th Greek Film Festival of Sydney this October.

Canberra’s Hellenic Youth Club brings back Bouzouki Night 2025

The Hellenic Youth Club of Canberra (HYC) has announced the much-anticipated return of its signature Bouzouki Night.

You May Also Like

Greek PM and US Senators discuss East Med, Middle East and Afghanistan

Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, held a meeting with US Senators, Chris Murphy and Jon Ossoff, on Monday.

Child drowns at sea off coast of Lesbos in first fatality after Turkey border opens

A child died after being pulled from the seat when a boat capsized off the Greek island of Lesbos, officials said on Monday

Mytilenian community comes together to celebrate annual Sardella Day in Sydney

The Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney and New South Wales came together at the Mytilenian House in Sydney to celebrate Sardella Day.