Research Institute for European and American Studies (RIEAS)
Newsletter on Immigration to Greece
Editor: Ioannis Kolovos
Illegal immigration poses a significant threat to public health
The Minister for Citizen’s Protection Mr Michalis Chryssochoidis and the Minister of Health Mr Andreas Loverdos announced measures in order to safeguard public health against the threat posed by the incontrollable inflow of illegal immigrants.
The relevant press release by the Ministry for Citizen’s Protection can be read here (in Greek only)
Athens city center becomes more and more ghettoized!
According to a study by Panteion University five main squares in Athens are gradually becoming ghettoized, with criminality and high concentration of foreigners being the main characteristics of this phenomenon.
The relevant article (Kathimerini, 6/4/2012) can be read here (in Greek only)
Public opinion holds very negative views on immigration
A recent opinion poll showed that 48.3% of Greeks favor the repatriation of all immigrants (19.5% in 2009) and only tiny minorities of Greeks still believe in immigrant integration (7.2%) and assimilation (4.2%). Moreover, 9 out of 10 Greeks link immigrants with the increase in violence and criminality.
The relevant article (To Vima, 8/4/2012) can be read here (in Greek only)
Most Greeks support clampdown on illegal immigration, poll shows
Bloomberg’s view of the aforementioned opinion poll
The relevant article can be read here (in English)
Greece-Frontex co-operation upgraded
The Minister for Citizen’s Protection Mr Michalis Chryssochoidis met with the Finnish Minister of Interior Ms Päivi Räsänen and with Frontex Executive Director Mr Ilkka Laitinen. During the meeting Greece and Frontex signed a Memorandum of Co-operation which upgrades the collaboration between the parties in protecting Greece’s and Europe’s borders.
The relevant press release by the Ministry for Citizen’s Protection can be read here (in Greek only)
Bureaucracy impedes IOM’s voluntary repatriation efforts
6,595 foreigners have applied to IOM for voluntary repatriation but only about 3,500 are expected to be repatriated in the end, due to Ministry for Citizen’s Protection bureaucratic ineffectiveness.
The relevant article (Kathimerini, 19/4/2012) can be read in full here (in Greek only)
The first detention center for illegal immigrants has received its first “guests”!
The first detention center, situated in Amygdaleza, Attica, has opened its gates for 56 illegal immigrants. The center is expected to be able to host 820 people. In order for the plan to work more detention centers need to be built and repatriation processes need to be swift.
The relevant article (Ethnos, 30/4/2012) can be read in full here (in Greek only)