Greece transfers almost 400 migrants from Lesbos camp to mainland

·

Greece is transferring hundreds of migrants from a camp on Lesbos island to mainland facilities, as part of efforts to ease overcrowding during the coronavirus pandemic.

According to police officials, 395 migrants were moved from Moria camp on Sunday evening and will arrive at Piraeus port in Athens on Monday morning.

Migrants board a ferry at Mytilene port to be transferred from Lesbos island to the Greek mainland on Sunday. Source: AFP.

This is the first massive transfer of migrants from the overcrowded camp since the start of lockdown, which was imposed by the Greek government on March 23 amid the COVID-19 crisis.

READ MORE: Doctors launch #SOSMoria initiative to evacuate Greek refugee camp.

The move comes in the face of calls from the European Union and non-governmental organisations for Greece to ‘act immediately’ to ease the pressure in camps on its Mediterranean islands.

Migrants, outside Moria camp, waiting to board buses to Mytiline port. Source: AFP.

Although Athens had initially opposed this move, citing the limited number of cases in the camps, Greek Migration Minister, Notis Mitarachi, recently said the government now plans to move around 2,000 migrants from camps.

“The goal is to transfer about 2,400 from island camps to mainland Greece,” Mr Mitarachi stressed.

As of Sunday, Greece had 2,626 confirmed cases of the virus, with 144 deaths.

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

Areti Ketime brings the spirit of rebetiko to Melbourne for the Zeibekiko Festival

The Zeibekiko Festival has returned for its third year this month with a lively Rebetika performance in Melbourne by singer Areti Ketime. 

Literary memorial in Sydney honours the legacy of esteemed scholar Dr George Kanarakis

A literary memorial in honour of Greek academic and internationally renowned linguist of Australia, Dr George Kanarakis, was held on Tuesday.

Memorial service to be held in Sydney to honour the life of Chris Felemegas

A memorial service will be held in Sydney on Sunday, October 12, to honour the life of Chris Felemegas, a figure remembered for his warmth.

Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Loverdos meets Archbishop Makarios in Sydney

Greek Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Hellenism Abroad, Ioannis Loverdos, met with Archbishop Makarios of Australia on Tuesday.

Burra vintage shop faces criticism for $5 entry fee

The owner of Goosey Goosey Gander in Burra, Russell Skinner, has announced that the shop’s $5 entry fee will soon be donated.

You May Also Like

Greek Australian Mathew Economides among Blacktown and Mount Druitt Doctors of the Year

Mentorship, clinical excellence, wellbeing, and support for education were some of the key attributes of four Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals (BMDH) 2020 Doctors of the Year, among them Greek Australian Mathew Economides.

AEK, Panathinaikos and PAOK enjoy night of glory in Europe

AEK, Panathinaikos and PAOK enjoyed a night of glory in Europe as the group stages in European competitions kicked off.

Australia’s Matildas claim victory in FIFA Women’s World Cup opener

The Matildas defeated Ireland in a home soil opener of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 at Sydney Football Stadium in NSW yesterday.