Sharp rise in new migrant arrivals to Greece despite EU-Turkey deal
The number of migrants and refugees landing on Greek shores has risen sharply, just days before Turkey is due to start taking back those arriving illegally, under a deal with the EU.
Greek authorities recorded 766 new arrivals between Tuesday morning and Wednesday morning, up from 192 the previous day. Most arrived on the northeastern Aegean island of Lesbos.
Many migrants and refugees are still hoping to make it to nothern Europe, despite closed borders in the Balkans and returns set to start on Monday.
Under the deal in effect since March 20, migrants and refugees who arrive in Greece will be subject to being sent back once they have been registered and their individual asylum claim processed.
Syrian refugee Kinan welcomes newly arrived refugees on shores of Lesvos, Greece. #actofhumanity pic.twitter.com/PZDUXpMmPS— UNICEF (@UNICEF) 30 mars 2016
“We are monitoring the situation but we believe we have to give it some time because the picture is not clear,” eu
Greek authorities recorded 766 new arrivals between Tuesday morning and Wednesday morning, up from 192 the previous day. Most arrived on the northeastern Aegean island of Lesbos.
Many migrants and refugees are still hoping to make it to nothern Europe, despite closed borders in the Balkans and returns set to start on Monday.
Under the deal in effect since March 20, migrants and refugees who arrive in Greece will be subject to being sent back once they have been registered and their individual asylum claim processed.
Syrian refugee Kinan welcomes newly arrived refugees on shores of Lesvos, Greece. #actofhumanity pic.twitter.com/PZDUXpMmPS— UNICEF (@UNICEF) 30 mars 2016
“We are monitoring the situation but we believe we have to give it some time because the picture is not clear,” eu