Newsletter on Immigration to Greece
Editor: Ioannis Kolovos
Groups of immigrants clash in Athens city center
Groups of Southeast Asian immigrants clashed violently in Athens city center near Omonia square – yet again! The groups consisted of about 200 people armed with clubs and sharp objects and the clash took place at about 8pm. Twelve people were left wounded and the police made four arrests.
A relevant newspaper article (To Vima, 27/5/2010) can be found here (in Greek only)
The day after: another clash!
Another clash took place near Omonia square between two groups of about 100 people from Afghanistan and Bangladesh. The groups used rocks, clubs and knives against one another. The police made ten arrests.
A relevant newspaper article (To Vima, 28/5/2010) can be found here (in Greek only)
Greece remains the main point of entry to the EU for illegal immigrants
According to Frontex’s Annual Risk Analysis for 2009, Greece accounted for 75% of all detections of illegal border crossings in the EU. After obtaining forged documents in Greece most people move on to other countries in Western Europe. Frontex also identified Turkey as the most important transit country for illegal migration to the EU.
A relevant news report can be read here (in English only)
An extended extract of Frontex’s aforementioned analysis can be read here (in English)
Parliament debates the bilateral agreement with Turkey on the readmission of illegal immigrants
Judging by the government’s stance, as expressed by Deputy Minister Mr Spyros Vougias, wishful thinking is a major factor behind government’s policies! More on this bilateral agreement can be found in May’s Newsletter.
The minutes of the debate can be read here (in Greek only)
Unemployment much higher for foreign nationals
According to the latest Labor Force Survey (1st trimester of 2010), the unemployment rate of foreign nationals was much higher compared to the Greeks (14.5% compared to 11.4% respectively).
The relevant press release by the National Statistics Authority can be read here (in Greek only)
Anti-foreigner feelings soar in Greece
The latest findings of the European Social Survey for Greece show that anti-foreigner feelings are growing among Greeks compared to the previous ESS findings for 2003. These negative feelings are also much higher that the EU average.
A relevant news report (Eleftherotypia, 16/6/2010) can be found here (in Greek only)