Greek Immigration and Asylum Minister Makis Voridis told Skai news channel that accepting such returns is “out of the question” given Greece’s position as the EU’s second-highest host of refugees per capita, after Cyprus. “As long as there is no fair distribution of burdens within the European Union, Greece will not accept any returns,” Voridis stated, emphasizing that returns would not address the broader migration issue.
The program will initially allow voluntary participation, but it also aims to enforce mandatory returns for specific groups. Individuals eligible for this program must be between the ages of 19 and 49 and possess the capability to work.
The program will initially operate on a voluntary basis but will eventually include mandatory returns. It primarily focuses on individuals aged between 19 and 49 who are capable of working.
The nine were reportedly among more than 40 people alleged to have died as a result of being forced out of Greek territorial waters or taken back out to sea after reaching the islands.
