The priority of the Ministry of Immigration and Asylum for ‘Speeding and intensifying returns in third countries and countries of origin of those who are not asylum entitled“Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos stressed during his visit to the independent Asylum Amygdaleza on Wednesday morning.

The minister announced the acceleration of the return of irregular immigrants, whose asylum applications have been rejected to their countries of origin.

It reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthen the return system, with the aim of increasing the security and efficiency of the asylum process. “Asylum without returns is not meant“, He stressed.

“THEI have always been a key element of our design, which is confirmed by official data. Greece occupies the fourth place pan -European in the number of returns asylum applicants, “the minister said. He reminded that in the previous year about 7,000 people were returned, either through deportation or via voluntary returns. “As early as January and the early days of February, over 500 people have been returned – and the process continuedi, “he noted.

In particular, Mr. Panagiotopoulos pointed out that “No national and reliable asylum system without a national and reliable return system” He spoke of the cooperation of the Ministry with the Ministry of Citizen Protection, the need to intensify contacts with third countries and the intensification of the European debate, “now prioritized on the European agenda,” he said.

This discussion, the minister explained, “Greece is driving it, and the decision to change the return framework is expected to be more intensively“

Mr Panagiotopoulos described the end that “for the convenience and supervision of returns” the post of refunds has been adopted and an agreement with Frontex and the IOM (International Organization for Migration) has been established.

The minister was particularly concerned with the importance of compliance with international agreements, stressing the need to reinforce returns to third countries, but also to those who have signed relevant agreements without fully implementing them. “The return system is yielding fruit and we need to ensure its constant reinforcement,” he said.

In addition, Mr. Panagiotopoulos said: “We want to intensify returns and work the system better. That is why we created the institution of the National Coordinator, and our cooperation with the Ministry of Citizen Protection is exemplary. “

From the pre -arresting almond aliens detention center, he made a specific reference to security, which has emerged as a top priority in Greece and Europe. “For us, security is non -negotiable. All European countries agree: a new approach is needed to returns, asylum and border protection – and Greece is leading the way, “he noted.

In his statements to the cameras, he noted: “The intensification of the European debate on returns is now a priority. Greece is leading this effort. We look forward to a European level decision to strengthen the return framework. “

Addressing the workers of the structure, their minister congratulated: “Your work is invaluable. Your daily effort ensures the smooth functioning of the structure, protects public order and ensures the human rights of prisoners. ” The minister was accompanied by the Secretary General of Migration Policy, Manos Logothetis, and the National Return Coordinator, Konstantinos Panagiotopoulos.