Immigrant arrivals in Greece remain at low levels: all 913 people did not exceed 913 and in August, peak month, decreased below 400, that is, a total of about 1,300 people entered 45 days. “If we were following PASOK’s estimates, we would talk about 6,000 – 7,000 arrivals daily,” reported Thanos Plevris Speaking on the show “Connections” on ERTNEWS.
Regarding the amendment that suspends for three months the possibility of applying asylum for immigrants from North Africa, the minister stressed that before it was implemented, about 700 people entered a day. “We do not say that the amendment will annihilate the flows, but the illegal stay is now a criminal offense. Those who have entered the Greek law will undergo the predicted sanctions, “he said.
Mr Plevris also pointed out that an increase is being pursued of voluntary returns, As the previous 7 -year -old context is abolished and a penalty of 2 to 5 years is introduced for those who remain illegally, while the only option for the illegal immigrant is to cooperate for his return. “We abolish the possibility of legalization, no matter how many years remain in the country,” he said.
The minister noted that those who do not respect state values and decisions “They have no place in our homeland” and described the measures as “extraordinary”, which must be respected, especially in countries such as Libya, where no one is in danger. He said the offenders would suffer the consequences, referring to the eight Sudanese held in Amygdaleza and have appealed to the court, but also to the 23 -year -old Afghan who caused an incident in front of the monument of the unknown soldier.
‘Government cannot watch boats in the role of observer ‘, added. Concerning NGOs, Mr Plevris said that he had requested their registry and will be managed by those who are turning against the ministry’s policy. “Migration policy is not decided by courts or NGOs. The role of ministry officials is to implement the government’s decisions, “he said.
In the context of voluntary returns, he explained that Greece has reduced the amount of time From 30 to 14 days to complete the process, while monitoring through electronic “bracelet” ensures that immigrants either return or are arrested while maintaining their rights during their stay in the structures.
For refugees, the Minister suggests change the subsidy policy model, so that resources are directed to those who have a real need and the beneficiaries are part of the working process. “We brought the bill on illegal immigration and by the end of the year the law on legal, organized immigration would come,” he concluded.