Newsletter on Immigration to Greece
Editor: Ioannis Kolovos
Government submits Citizenship Bill to the Parliament
The Bill is somewhat stricter compared to its draft which was publicized in December. Still, its essence remains the same.
A relevant article (To Vima, 5/2/2010) can be read here (in Greek only)
FRONTEX regional HQ to be based in Piraeus
Housing the regional FRONTEX HQ in Piraeus will offer the other Europeans a clear view of the size of Greece’s illegal immigration issue. According to FRONTEX risk analysis, in 2010 the Aegean Sea is expected to remain the main entry point of illegal immigrants in Europe’s external sea borders. FRONTEX officials emphasize that Greece manages 75% of immigrants arrested in the whole of the EU for illegal entry.
The relevant press release by the Ministry of Citizen’s Protection can be read here (in Greek only)
Government to change the Greek Citizenship Code?
According to an article in “Kathimerini” (7/2/2010) the government plans to submit a new Greek Citizenship Code, after the current Citizenship Bill is voted by the Parliament. No specific details regarding the new Code’s content were given.
The relevant article can be read here (in Greek only)
Parliament debates the issues of immigration and citizenship
A debate among the party leaders took place in the Parliament on February 8th. The minutes of the debate are quite revealing of the way each party views the issues of immigration and citizenship.
The debate’s minutes can be read here (in Greek only)
Parliament debates the issue of criminality
Unavoidably, the factor “immigration” was also discussed.
The debate’s minutes can be read here (in Greek only)
The new Citizenship Bill will be discussed and put to the vote in March
On February 26th, the government publicized the final text of the new Citizenship Bill, which will be discussed firstly in the relevant Parliamentary Committee and then it will be debated and voted in a Plenary Session of the Parliament.