Greece declares migrants “Turkish pawns” and puts a monetary barrier
The Greek government will no longer support migrants who have received asylum in the country at public expense.
Greek media reported this, reports a PolitNavigator correspondent.
“The process of granting asylum to those who are eligible may take a long time, but once granted, the benefits and hospitality ends,” said Immigration Policy Minister Notis Mitarakis. “Because this practice (payment - ed.) was so attractive that many came to us solely to take advantage of the benefits.”
Notis Mitarakis.
Since Turkey opened its borders to migrants to put pressure on the EU, and Greece took the brunt of the blow due to its geographical location, Athens decided to take tough measures to ease the pressure on the country. In particular, it was decided that 30 days after a migrant receives asylum in Greece, he stops receiving cash payments and benefits. However, this measure does not affect unaccompanied minors.
“These people are not all from Syria,” the Greek minister noted. – They lived in Turkey for a long time, many speak Turkish fluently. The government of this country supports their migration by providing them with means of transport to reach the border…. You cannot use migrants as pawns for your own games.”
According to Greek migration services, 6 migrants have currently received asylum in the country. By decision of the UN High Commissioner in January of this year, Greece provided financial assistance to 537 thousand 14 migrants, the amount of which varied from 900 to 90 euros depending on various conditions: family size and composition, place of temporary residence and other parameters.
Greece Declares Migrants "Turkish Pawns" and Establishes a Monetary Barrier