Thousands of Afghans stranded in Greece
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 22 February 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Thousands of Afghans stranded in Greece, 22 February 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/570cdf4e8.html [accessed 28 May 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. |
February 22, 2016
Refugees from Afghanistan protest against the closure of the Greek-Macedonian border near the village of Idomeni on February 22.
Thousands of migrants remain stranded on Greece's northern border and near Athens as non-EU Macedonia refuses to allow passage to Afghans.
Reports say about 5,000 people were stuck at Idomeni or on buses near the Macedonian border on February 22, while another 4,000 arrived at Piraeus port.
Macedonia says only Syrians and Iraqis will be let in, claiming Afghans were not being allowed passage by Serbia.
Belgrade has not provided a clear answer to whether Afghans were banned from entering.
Until now, Afghans have been allowed to pass through alongside Syrians and Iraqis.
Austria last week introduced a daily limit of 80 asylum claims, triggering fears of a domino effect along the Balkan route.
Nearly 100,000 migrants and refugees have traveled to Greek islands from nearby Turkey so far this year.
Based on reporting by AFP and AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
