Greece migrant populations down by half year on year
BY| ANSA
Refugee and migrant populations in Greece have been reduced by more than half compared to last year, according to the latest figures by the Greek authorities.
The numbers of refugee and migrant populations in Greece have been reduced by more than half (56%) compared to last year, according to the latest figures announced by the Greek authorities on migration.
In addition, the government’s August 2022 Migration Newsletter reported that a 39% reduction has been recorded on the Aegean islands compared to 2021, but, significantly, there has also been a 64% increase in the number of people arriving on Greek shores from January until August versus the same period in 2021.
“We continue to make every effort to effectively manage migration, against the efforts of the trafficking rings and the instrumentalization model that Turkey is pursuing,” said Minister of Migration and Asylum Notis Mitarachi in a media statement.
18,587 migrant residents in Greece
Overall, the total number of migrant residents in Greece amounts to 18,587 as of August 2022, of which 16% (3,190 people) is the population of asylum seekers on the islands, and 84% is made up of the population living on the mainland.
After the government’s systematic efforts, by the end of August 2022, 725 people left Greece for
another European country or third country through the mechanisms of deportation, returns and relocation of third country nationals, while 1,963 people arrived in Greece.
The Migration and Asylum Ministry also said in a media statement: “The goal and commitment of the Government is the equal and fair distribution of asylum seekers below 1% of the general population, and this has been achieved throughout the country by region, with the exception of the North Aegean Region which amounts to 1.21%.”
The Ministry’s monthly newsletter also regularly includes a special reference to displaced Ukrainians. A total of 20,290 online applications have been submitted and 19,081 Temporary Protection Permits have been issued.
Funding boost for communities hosting migrants
Meanwhile, in related developments, communities across Greece that are hosting migrants have been granted an additional 3 million euros in funding to support their efforts. The additional funding, which is part of a total of 46 million of the so-called Solidarity Fund for 108 projects, was approved by Mitarachi for four municipalities in the context of supporting local communities contributing to the management of migration.
The funds will go to the municipalities of Kavala, Lagada, Peony and Chios towards municipal projects, following proposals submitted at their discretion and based on local needs.
