Research Institute for European and American Studies (RIEAS)
Newsletter on Immigration to Greece
Editor: Ioannis Kolovos
Minister for Citizen’s Protection gave journalists an overview of the situation regarding illegal immigration
The Minister for Citizen’s Protection Mr Christos Papoutsis updated journalists on the latest developments on the issues of illegal immigration, criminality and policing.
The full text of Mr Papoutsis’ press conference can be read here (in Greek only)
Ethnic tensions brewing in Tavros and Aspropyrgos
Friction between Albanian Roma and Pakistanis and between Albanian Roma and locals may lead to extended clashes in future.
The relevant article (Kathimerini, 4/11/2011) can be read here (in Greek only)
The Greek government does not give up the idea of legalization!
The Ministry of Employment has drafted a new Bill which may result in an amnesty to illegal immigrants.
The relevant article (Kathimerini, 12/11/2011) can be read here (in Greek only)
Frontex publicized the Evaluation Report on the deployment of Rapid Border Intervention Teams to the Greek-Turkish land border in 2010
According to the report: “The EU measures at the EU’s southeastern external land borders implemented during the RABIT Operation had a positive impact on the management of illegal migration flows with a decreasing number of irregular migrants arriving through the operational areas. At the same time there is still room for improvement of the common approach for interpretation of EU measures and their implementation at national level”.
The full report can be read here (in English)
EU Members reluctant to continue their participation in the RABITs border team in Greece
According to Frontex Deputy Executive Director Mr Gil Arias Fernandez this reluctance in due to Greece’s failure to create adequate detention centers, which has resulted in illegal immigrants being let to wander freely in the country trying to make their way to Northern Europe. This situation has made Greece the ideal transit country for illegal immigrants.
The relevant article (Kathimerini, 17/11/2011) can be read here (in Greek only)
An overview of the situation in Evros and of the illegal immigration issue in general
Mr Pericles Nearchou, former Ambassador of Cyprus in Paris, offers a detailed overview of the issue and its parameters.
Mr Nearchou’s article (To Paron, 20/11/2011) can be read here (in Greek only)
Greek pupils leave schools with high concentration of foreign pupils
Greek pupils flee schools with high concentration of foreign pupils as their parents seem to believe that too much diversity in the classroom may result in the lowering of the level of education.
The relevant article (Kathimerini, 27/11/2011) can be read here (in Greek only)