Greece: Significant reduction in migrant flows and asylum seekers

According to the latest figures from the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum, there has been a significant – and seemingly stable – decline in the number of new migrants and asylum seekers.

The numbers also support the arguments of the islanders and their representatives, who insist that the planned construction of large reception and hospitality structures may not be necessary.

In particular, in the first five months of 2021, flows to the islands and through the border region of Evros decreased by 68% compared to the same period last year. In particular, 2,891 arrivals were registered in the Aegean Islands and at the border in Evros, while in the same period of 2020, the number of arrivals reached 9,421.

Along with this trend, the number of those who remain in reception and identification centers on the islands is decreasing, as the decrease in the number of arrivals makes it easier to manage the existing population.

The total number of guests (asylum seekers and refugees) in state structures (structures managed or controlled by the Ministry of Migration) in May this year amounted to 53 705 people, and in the same month last year it was 92 463 people.

According to the Ministry’s estimates, during the past year 38,758 asylum seekers, after being granted refugee status, mostly left the territory of Greece. leaving to other European countries. In addition, the ministry’s data show that as of mid-June, 66,659 applications were pending, while in May 2020, the Asylum Service had 108,492 pending applications.

Meanwhile, a memorandum was signed on Wednesday to rebuild the site where the Moria Reception and Identification Center operated in Lesvos.

The Ministry of the Aegean Sea has been commissioned to develop a site restoration study in cooperation with the local municipality. Funding will be provided by the Ministry of Migration.

How long will this all be? Not yet known.

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