Speaking to ERT, the Minister of Immigration and Asylum explained the amendment regarding the granting of a permit to immigrants who will work in Greece.

Dimitris Kairides, responding to those who disagree with the amendment, arguing that it will increase immigration flows, clarified that “we are not attracting new flows and we are tightening the framework as if employment ceases then the permit is revoked”.

“The amendment will pass with ND votes and it is a positive fact that major opposition parties will also vote. We need to turn the page and strengthen both public safety and the labor market, said the Minister of Immigration and Asylum and emphasized that “the fence will be completed, the Coast Guard is being strengthened and in no way is the amendment a legalization, but an effort these people not to be in illegal undeclared work either and also to be recorded”.

Among other things, Mr. Kairides reiterated that the amendment will provide a solution to “people who are already in Greece, who for the most part did not come to Greece illegally, their residence permits just expired, because the deadlines passed, because the papers that they had to collect, because there are various difficulties”.

“So we come to these people and say: Anyone who was here for three years before November 30, 23, for the first time we bring the connection to work,” said Mr. Kairides.

He even clarified that among the other conditions set for obtaining the residence permit is one that requires a clean criminal record as well as an employment contract, while in other cases, if the employment ceases, then the permit is revoked.

In closing, Mr. Kairides emphasized that “the aim is to strengthen public security, to register and document all those who are here” and obviously to strengthen the labor market which is suffering.