Newsletter on Immigration to Greece
Editor: Ioannis Kolovos
Immigrant indifference for citizenship and vote?
The data for the first two weeks show that only 24 second-generation immigrants have applied for Greek citizenship and only 3,000 immigrants have applied for the right to vote in November’s local elections. Still, two weeks is a very short period of time in order to draw definitive conclusions.
The relevant newspaper article (To Vima, 1/7/2010) can be found here (in Greek only)
Illegal immigration through Evros river increases
The reasons behind the increase are that many minefields have been removed and the remaining ones have the proper warning signs. Moreover, the “fee” is lower compared to that for the Aegean islands as the river is easier to cross and more difficult to guard.
The relevant newspaper article (To Vima, 3/7/2010) can be found here (in Greek only)
Multicultural bliss: immigrants clash in Patras – again!
African immigrants clashed violently with Romanian Roma and a few hours later Afghans clashed with Palestinians. Twelve people were injured and the Police made 20 arrests.
A relevant newspaper article (Ta Nea, 6/7/2010) can be found here (in Greek only)
Greeks turned into second class citizens?
While the unemployment rate for Greeks reaches 12%, the government is thinking of managing illegal immigrants through “legislative regulation” (!) and of offering them jobs in sectors they are familiar with (e.g. in the agricultural sector).
A relevant newspaper article (To Vima, 15/7/2010), can be found here (in Greek only)
Citizen’s Ombudsman expresses his view on the situation of Athens’ historical center
Among other proposals the Citizen’s Ombudsman argues that illegal immigrants who cannot be repatriated should be offered some sort of a temporary leave to remain.
The full text of the Ombudsman’s letter can be read here (in Greek only)
Previously legalized immigrants: Another headache for the government?
According to unofficial estimates, about 140,000 immigrants cannot renew their residence permits due to insufficient income or insufficient number of social security stamps. The government has two ways to tackle the issue: either by lowering the threshold for the renewal of residence permits or by initiating a generous repatriation program.
The relevant newspaper article (Kathimerini, 22/7/2010), can be found here (in Greek only)