“In Greece they are not only oppressed, they are also spoiled,” said the Minister of Migration and Asylum, Mr. Thanos Plevris Clearing that the government will not allow the country to become an “open borders” or to welcome “flowers” to those who enter illegally, announcing that a bill is coming to the end of August, which will criminalize illegal stay.
“Was your asylum rejected? You have a criminal offense, with a prison sentence of two to five years, “he said, speaking to Mega.
Minister pointed out that the migratory flows They show a dramatic decline after a three -month suspension of asylum, and has raised the increase in the increase in returns, whether voluntary or forced, in cooperation with third countries. At the same time, he criticized the NGO who have appealed against the amendment, stressing that “we will not accept boats and the government not to react”.
Referring to incidents of provocative behavior of asylum seekers, as in Monumenthe said that “anyone who applies asylum must respect the country; if he does not respect it, the process stops and is activated.” Finally, he stressed that the logic of integration is changed: instead of benefitasylum beneficiaries will acquire skills, learn the language and join the job marketas “they cannot live permanently at the expense of Greek taxpayers”.
For migratory flows and three -month asylum suspension he noted that “In the first week of July we had 2.642 arrivalswhich led us to the decision on the three -month suspension of asylum. Then, the whole rest of the July, only 913 arrivals were recorded, and in August we see an even greater decrease, with less than 400 arrivals within three weeks. This shows that the amendment, the diplomatic moves and the clear message that Greece emitted by attributes: No asylum is considered, newcomers are held and entering return procedures. “
‘The bill will be discussed in committees in late August and voted on before TIF. Its main direction is the criminalization of illegal residence. To date, anyone who saw his asylum request being rejected could simply stay in the country, without any ratification. This is changing. Was your asylum rejected? You have a criminal offense, with prison sentences from two to five years. The only possibility of exemption from the penalty will be to cooperate to return to the country of origin. This creates a strong disincentive for those who do not have a real refugee profile, he said.
Mr. Plevris also referred to the refunds and cooperation with third countries, stressing that “it is the most crucial issue. Today they are about 7.000–10.000 refunds time while arrivals can reach the 30.000–40.000. Forced returns are difficult because they require the cooperation of third countries. Even with cooperating countries, such as Egyptthe Bangladesh and Pakistanthe balance remains negative: More come than those who accept back. To date, anyone who saw his asylum request was rejected had no ratification and had no reason to leave. This changes: All privileges are cut and the illegal stay is criminalized to create a strong disincentive. The aim is to increase voluntary retirements and restore balance. “
On the appeals of NGOs and court rulings: “All decisions of the Greek and European courts are respected. However, the government will continue to implement its policy. OR amendment To suspend asylum, he put on the scales the right of Greek citizens not to see uncontrolled flows on the border. It was a completely documented decision, timely limited, and with a clear message: Greece will not become an open border; nor a country we will accept with flowers. We will not accept that boats come and the government not to react. “