Newsletter on Immigration to Greece
Editor: Ioannis Kolovos
An update on the situation at the Greek-Turkish border
Frontex offers a brief situational update on illegal immigrant crossings at the Greek-Turkish border.
The update can be read in full here (in English)
How the EU aid Greece in combating illegal immigration
EU official offers a broad overview of EU’s contribution in Greece’s efforts to tackle the inflow of illegal immigrants.
The relevant article (Kathimerini, 5/10/2012) can be read here (in Greek only)
A snapshot of the current situation at the Greek borders
The article offers a full round-up of the situation at the Greek external borders and on the government’s plans on the issue of illegal immigration.
The relevant article (Ethnos, 21/10/2012) can be read here (in Greek only)
Risk of poverty much higher for foreign nationals
According to the latest Income and Household Living Conditions Survey the population at risk of poverty or social exclusion between the ages of 18-64 years old was much higher for foreign nationals compared to the Greeks (58.3% compared to 29.7% respectively).
The relevant press release by the National Statistics Authority can be read here (in Greek only)
Ioannis Kolovos gives a lecture at Peristeri
Ioannis Kolovos was invited by the Municipality of Peristeri to give a lecture on immigration and multiculturalism. The lecture took place at the Municipal Library on November 5th in front of a full lecture hall.
The lecture and Q&A session can be viewed in full here (in Greek only)
Poll shows widespread anti-immigrant feelings among Greeks
According to a Kapa Research poll 73.9% of Greeks believe that immigrants are to blame for the rise in criminality, 47.3% of Greeks want all immigrants who are in the country illegally or who are not necessary to be repatriated and 7.9% of Greeks want all immigrants to be repatriated. Finally 75.4% approve of Hellenic Police’s “Xenios Zeus” Operation against illegal immigration.
The relevant article (To Vima, 11/11/2012) can be read here (in Greek only)
Council of State rules 2010 Citizenship Law unconstitutional
The Council of State’s plenary session of judges ruled that Law 3838 of 2010 is unconstitutional. The Law eased the granting of citizenship to immigrants and offered them the right to participate in local elections. The Council of State’s decision and its rationale are expected to be publicized in a few months’ time.
The relevant article (Ta Nea, 14/11/2012) can be read here (in Greek only)
An interesting comment on the Council of State’s ruling
Mr Pericles Nearchou, former Ambassador of Cyprus in Paris, offers an interesting comment on the Council of State’s ruling on the 2010 Citizenship Law.
Mr Nearchou’s article (To Paron, 18/11/2012) can be read here (in Greek only)
Illegal immigrant inmates riot
24 illegal immigrants have been charged with causing severe damages at the buildings of Corinth’s detention center after a riot broke out. Riot police had to intervene in order to restore order. The detention center in Corinth hosts more than 800 illegal immigrants who are awaiting deportation.
The relevant article (Kathimerini, 20/11/2012) can be read here (in Greek only)
Illegal immigrant inmates riot again!
Illegal immigrants rioted at the Komotini detention center. Riot police intervened, four police officers were injured and more than 40 arrests were made.
The relevant article (Ethnos, 24/11/2012) can be read here (in Greek only)
18.8% of births in Greece come from foreign mothers
According to National Statistics Authority data for 2010, 18.8% of births in Greece came from foreign mothers (21,574 births out of a total of 114,766).
The relevant article (Ethnos, 28/11/2012) can be read here (in Greek only)