Loud message about immigrant returns sent by the Minister of Immigration and Asylum, Makis Voridis At the Summit of Ministers of Migration and Internal Affairs of the five Member States of Med5 (Greece, Italy, Spain, Cyprus, Malta), which took place on April 11 and 12 in Naples, Italy.
At the heart of the debate were the implementation of the new European Pact on Migration and Asylum, the external dimension of immigration policy, and the crucial issue of returns. Mr. Voridis emphasized that:
“The effective return of those who are not entitled to international protection is a one -way street to restore logic to Europe’s immigration system.”
Voridis: “Illegal immigrants will have to be pressured in order to get into a return process”
He also stressed that “failure to deal with illegal immigration causes a deep absurdity”, as at the same time that countries as Greece needs legal labor, they do not manage to attract workers through legal channels, nor to prevent and effectively return those who enter.
The Minister of Immigration and Asylum also expressed Greece’s full support in the joint statement adopted by the Ministers of the Med5, according to a ministry’s announcement, as well as in the progress of negotiations on the new Returns Regulation, noting the need to adopt measures.
“Returns – voluntary and forced – are the only way to obtain the migration system of cohesion and efficiency. It is the prerequisite for the asylum system to function properly, “said Mr. Voridis.
Finally, the Minister emphasized the importance of creating legal, credible channels for the work of immigrants, noting that “this dual way – preventing illegal immigration and enhancing legal – is the only realistic strategy against a European challenge that requires common solutions.”