Asylum seekers and migrants in reception centers on the Greek islands continue to be under lockdown although no COVID-19 cases have been registered at the camps. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) says this is discriminatory, given that anti-coronavirus measures have been eased in the rest of Greece.
A lot has been written about the situation in overcrowded camps on the Greek islands of Lesbos, Samos and Chios but not so much focus has been placed on migrants living in closed camps in Kos and Leros. Refugee Rights Europe has lifted the lid on conditions there in an in-depth report entitled “Invisible Islands.” They document conditions that some of InfoMigrants’ facebook users have confirmed.
Life for refugees in Greece does not always get easier when their status is officially recognized. On the contrary: Often already traumatized by war, they face the risk of poverty and homelessness.
Oxfam has criticized the new asylum laws in Greece, saying they would result in "exploitation of people" and amount to "a blatant attack" on the EU's commitment to protect refugees and migrants.
The Greek opposition party Syriza has criticized the Greek government's policies on refugees and migrants. It accused the government of cutting spending and closing migrant facilities, and also attacked the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Several NGOs and human rights groups in Greece have spoken out to criticize the government's decision to cut spending on a housing program for asylum seekers by up to 30%. The groups warn that this means less safe living places for vulnerable groups.
In Greece, new rules mean that NGOs have to register with the government to continue working in migrant camps. 22 have been asked to cease operations.
Greece's Migration Ministry has announced that the printed cards issued to asylum seekers in the country will be replaced by electronic cards as of October 1, 2020.
In Greece, over 11,000 refugees could soon be evicted. They have been living in reception facilities for asylum seekers where they are no longer allowed to stay. Many worry that they could face homelessness. Here’s what you need to know -- and where affected refugees can get help.
KEERFA, a leading humanitarian and anti-racism organisation in Greece, has heavily criticized the Greek government's plan to proceed with the mass evictions of refugees staying in various parts of the country.
New findings suggest Greek authorities are illegally deporting refugees across the Turkish border. As part of an international research team, DW identified and met some of the victims who were forced back.
The Greek Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development relaxed its coroanvirus restrictions to allow more foreign workers to come and help with the Greek harvest, amid fears that produce would rot in the fields. But could migrants and refugees help fill the gap?