Research Institute for European and American Studies
Newsletter on Immigration to Greece
Editor: Ioannis Kolovos
State Department publicized its 2013 report on terrorism
As far as Greece is concerned the report emphasized that “The porous nature of Greece’s borders is of concern. While Greek border authorities have had success in the past year stemming the flow of illegal migration at the land border with Turkey, their ability to control large-scale illegal migration via sea borders is limited. Recent regional upheavals have intensified illegal migration to and through Greece via the Greek Aegean islands”.
The report can be read in full here (in English)
The cost of illegal immigration
According to an estimate by the Ministry of Health, the hospitalization of illegal immigrants cost the Greek State 20 million euros in 2013. The cumulative cost for the last decade is estimated at 150 million euros.
A relevant article (Kathimerini, 30/4/2014) can be read here (in Greek only)
Foreign workers constituted 46.6% of those working uninsured
During March 2014 the relevant checks conducted by the Ministry of Labour showed that 46.6% of workers found to be employed without any social security were foreigners.
The relevant article (Kathimerini, 3/5/2014) can be read here (in Greek only)
Illegal immigration through the East Aegean Sea continues to increase
According to data for the 1st quarter of 2014 the flow of illegal immigrants through the East Aegean Sea increased by 133% compared to the same period in 2013.
A relevant article (Kathimerini, 6/5/2014) can be read here (in Greek only)
Muslim immigrants living legally in Attica are only 30,000
Ministry of Education’s secretary for Religious Affairs Mr Georgios Kalantzis emphasized that Muslim immigrants living legally in Attica are about 30,000. According to Mr Kalantzis the total Muslim population in Attica is being served by 107 unofficial mosques.
A relevant article (Kathimerini, 7/5/2014) can be read here (in Greek only)
Another ring which provided illegal immigrants with invalid residence permits has been found!
Hundreds of illegal immigrants were provided with invalid residence permits by a ring which operated in the Arcadion local authority in Zakynthos. The relevant report compiled by Civil Service inspectors has been forwarded to the District Attorney and the Ministry of Interior.
A relevant article (Ethnos online, 7/5/2014) can be read in full here (in Greek only)
Greece to buy 14 electronic security systems
The Ministry of Public Order will buy fourteen electronic security systems, among which there will be a system of electronic fingerprint recognition and a system for border control.
A relevant article (Kathimerini, 13/5/2014) can be read here (in Greek only)
Greece will apply restrictive measures to Pakistani diplomats
Greece will apply a series of restrictive measures on diplomatic attaches from Pakistan in an effort to put pressure on Pakistan to meet its international obligations as far as illegal immigrants are concerned.
A relevant article (Kathimerini, 13/5/2014) can be read here (in Greek only)
Vast majority of Greeks want less immigration
According to a Pew Research Centre poll 86% of Greeks want fewer immigrants, 48% believe that immigrants are not assimilating to society and 70% consider immigrants as an economic burden.
The report can be read in full here (in English)
Frontex publicized their Annual Risk Analysis for 2014
The analysis noted “the strengthening of border surveillance on the Greek side, including
the completion of a fence along the 12-kilometre land connection with Turkey, and deployment of additional staff to patrol the area of the River Evros marking the land border between Turkey and Greece. Greece also took a series of measures inland (i.e. changes in the asylum policy and return measures), which resulted in curbing illegal immigration” (p. 32).
The analysis can be read in full here (in English)
