Greek government figures show a significant drop in the arrival of undocumented migrants in November compared with the previous month — despite conflict in the Middle East.
The number of undocumented migrants arriving in Greece decreased by 33% in November compared with the previous month, according to the latest figures released by the Greek migration ministry. The drop was seen despite concerns of increased migration flows due to conflicts in the Middle East.
Overall, the number of so-called “illegal arrivals” in Greece stood at 4,584 in November compared to 6,863 in October, which was in itself a 40% drop on September, according to the government.
Between September and November, the figure dropped by 60%.
The sharpest decrease in November was seen in Samos. Migration pressure instead appeared to persist in Lesbos, but dropped throughout the rest of the East Aegean.
‘Multi-level strategy’
“This is the product of a comprehensive and multi-level strategy to deal with irregular immigration and illegal trafficking,” said a media statement from the ministry.
“It is remarkable if compared to the rise of the phenomenon observed elsewhere, such as in Italy, Croatia and also in Spain.”
“Greece has managed to have fewer arrivals than most EU member states in the southern outer perimeter of the Schengen zone, managed them efficiently and safely for asylum seekers and local communities, within organized structures, unlike what happens in other countries,” it added.
Greece, it said, “has the highest rate of registration and identification of new arrivals for the benefit of public safety, and a reliable and speedy asylum process that has been praised internationally.”
Turning the tide?
The number of undocumented migrants began to increase from the middle of 2022 after very low levels seen throughout 2021.
An initial peak occurred in November 2022, followed by an upward trend again from June this year that peaked in September.
From late September, the gradual reduction in the number of arrivals began.
This is due to the effective guarding of the borders by Greek police and border forces, as well as the Hellenic Coast Guard, and better cooperation with Turkey, the ministry statement said.
“Today, Greece is leading the way in dealing with the problem of irregular immigration and illegal trafficking and is taking the lead in shaping the new common immigration and asylum policy of the European Union,” added the ministry’s statement.
Source: Info Migrants