10,000 people have left Greece through deportations or relocations

The Minister of Immigration and Asylum, Notis Mitarachi, referred to the management of the immigration issue, talking about a reduction of flows by 90% .

Speaking to ERT1 on Monday morning, Mitarachi spoke about a more manageable situation, given that the structures in the country are now 35 out of 121.

In 2019, as he pointed out, there were 17,000 people on the islands but today there is only 3,500.

“Our goal is to change what is happening at the entry points. From open structures such Moria, which shamed the country,” he said.

“We are now talking about closed, controlled structures, which provide very dignified living conditions, and at the same time there is an increased sense of security for the beneficiaries and the workers and for the local communities,” Mitarachi added.

The minister noted that today 10,000 people have left the country legally, with deportations, relocations and theoretical returns.

“In the last two years, more people are leaving than those coming,” he said, adding: “We are seeing a decongestion both on our islands and in mainland Greece.”

Asked about the measures taken in the closed structures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he referred to the implementation of the “Agnodiki” plan, noting that for the time being there has been no loss of human life in these structures.

The Minister of Immigration and Asylum also spoke about the “Sun” program, which among other things includes a 12-month rent subsidy to Asylum seekers, but also assistance in finding work in Greece.

READ MORE: Greece opens two new migrants reception centres on Leros and Kos.