Greece returns over 200 migrants to Turkey
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 5 April 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Greece returns over 200 migrants to Turkey, 5 April 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5768ffdd1b.html [accessed 5 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
April 05, 2016
Migrants leave a ferry anchored at port in the Turkish coastal town of Dikili on April 4.
Greece has sent over 200 migrants to Turkey, the first wave of deportations under an EU plan aimed at easing mass migration to Europe.
In all, 202 people from 11 countries – 191 men and 11 women – were sent to Turkey from the Greek islands of Chios and Lesbos on April 4.
They included 130 Pakistanis, 42 Afghans, 10 Iranians, five Congolese, four Sri Lankans, three Bangladeshis, three people from India, and one person each from Iraq, Somalia, and Ivory Coast, as well as two Syrians who Greek authorities said had asked to be sent back.
Forty-three Syrian asylum seekers were flown to Germany and Finland on April 4 from Turkey under that part of the deal.
Under the EU-Turkey deal, Ankara will take back all migrants and refugees, including Syrians, who enter Greece illegally in return for the EU taking in thousands of Syrian refugees directly from Turkey and rewarding it with more money, early visa-free travel, and progress in its EU membership negotiations.
The EU-Turkey deal has been condemned by rights groups and there are concerns over a lack of preparation.
Based on reporting by AP and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
