Research Institute for European and American Studies (RIEAS)
Newsletter on Immigration to Greece
Editor: Ioannis Kolovos
Greece: a crossroads for EU’s organized crime gangs
According to the latest Europol “EU Organized Crime Threat Assessment” Report, Greece is a transit point for all of Europe’s criminal hubs for crimes such as drug trafficking, human trafficking and cigarette smuggling
The relevant article (To Vima, 28/10/009) can be read here (in Greek only):
Europol’s full report can be found here (in English)
Kolovos’ reply to Lymberaki and Triandafyllidou
In the August/September issue of this newsletter it was reported that Professors Lymberaki and Triandafyllidou, in a joint article which appeared in “Vima Ideon”, claimed that Greek economy and society can take in “as many immigrants as they wish”. Moreover, they branded as “liars” and “dangerous” those who argue that the economy’s and society’s carrying capacity for immigrants can be estimated. Ioannis Kolovos sent a letter to the editor of “Vima Ideon”, which was published in the November issue.
Mr Kolovos’ letter can be read here (in Greek only)
Ms Triandafyllidou’s comments on Kolovos’ letter can be read here (in Greek only)
Minister of Interior makes even more promises to immigrants (both legal and illegal)
Minister of Interior Mr Yiannis Ragoussis, addressing the Global Forum on Migration and Development, offered voting rights to legal immigrants and their children. Do note that the right to vote will apply to local elections “to begin with”. Moreover, he promised them full citizenship rights. As far as illegal immigrants are concerned, Mr Ragoussis promised to “draw them to the surface of social life“. The actual meaning of this phrase is quite unclear. Does it signal a new ex-post facto legalization drive?
The Minister full speech can be read here (in Greek only)
PM confirms it: Immigrants to get birthright citizenship and right to vote in local elections
Prime Minister Giorgos Papandreou, addressing the Global Forum on Migration and Development, confirmed the government’s decision to offer birthright citizenship to immigrant children and voting rights in local elections to immigrants with long-term residence permits.
The full text of the PM’s speech can be read here (in Greek only)
Government back-tracking on birthright citizenship?
Deputy Minister of Interior Theodora Tzakri pointed out that the birthright citizenship clause in the government’s forthcoming Citizenship Bill will only apply to the children of legal immigrants. It should be noted that this narrows considerably the breadth of the Prime Minister’s proposal (see above), who did not differentiate between the children of legal and illegal immigrants.
The full text of Ms Tzakri’s speech in the Parliament can be read here (in Greek only)
Police, Port Police and National Intelligence Service to co-operate against illegal immigration
The Ministry of Citizen’s Protection is to attempt to integrate the Police, the Port Police and the National Intelligence Service in a joint effort to combat illegal immigration and human trafficking.
The relevant article (Kathimerini, 25/11/2009) can be read here (in Greek only)