Impressive is the reduction of migratory flows after the three -month suspension of asylum, said Minister of Immigration and Asylum, Thanos Plevris, speaking this morning to the MEGA T/C, adding that the government would not allow Greece to become an “open border” state.

“In Greece they are not only oppressed, they are also spoiled,” the minister stressed, and made it clear that the government would not allow the country to become “open borders” or welcome “with flowers” those who enter illegally, announcing that it would come to the end of August. “Was your asylum rejected? You have a criminal offense, with a prison sentence of two to five years, “he said.

The minister noted that migratory flows were impressive after a three -month suspension of asylum, while raising as a top issue to increase returns, either voluntary or forced, in cooperation with third countries. At the same time, he criticized the NGOs that have appealed against the amendment, stressing that “we will not accept boats and the government not to react”.

Referring to incidents of provocative asylum seekers, such as at the Unknown Soldier’s monument, he said that “anyone who is seeking asylum must respect the country – if not respecting it, the process stops and is activated”. Finally, he stressed that the logic of integration is also changing: instead of benefit policy, asylum beneficiaries will acquire skills, learn the language and be included in the labor market, as “they cannot live permanently at the expense of Greek taxpayers”.

Here are the key points of Th. Plevris’ interview:

On migratory flows and three -month asylum suspension: “In the first week of July we had 2,642 arrivals, which led us to a three -month suspension decision. Then, the whole rest of the July, only 913 arrivals were recorded, and in August we see an even greater decrease, with less than 400 arrivals within three weeks. This shows that the amendment, the diplomatic moves and the clear message that Greece emitted by attributes: No asylum is being considered, newcomers are held and enter into return procedures. “

On the bill coming to the House: “The bill will be discussed in the committees in late August and voted on before the TIF. Its main direction is the criminalization of illegal residence. To date, anyone who saw his asylum request being rejected could simply stay in the country, without any ratification. This is changing. Was your asylum rejected? You have a criminal offense, with prison sentences from two to five years. The only possibility of exemption from the penalty will be to cooperate to return to the country of origin. This creates a strong disincentive for those who do not have a real refugee profile. “

On returns and cooperation with third countries: “Returns are the most crucial issue. There are about 7,000-10,000 returns a year a year, with arrivals reaching 30,000-40,000. Forced returns are difficult because they require the cooperation of third countries. Even with cooperating countries, such as Egypt, Bangladesh and Pakistan, the balance remains negative: more than they accept back. To date, anyone who saw his asylum request was rejected had no ratification and had no reason to leave. This changes: All privileges are cut and the illegal stay is criminalized to create a strong disincentive. The aim is to increase voluntary departures and restore balance. “

On the appeals of NGOs and court rulings: “All decisions of the Greek and European courts are respected. However, the government will continue to implement its policy. The amendment to suspend asylum put the scales the right of Greek citizens to not see uncontrolled flows on the border. It was a completely documented decision, timely limited, and with a clear message: Greece will not become an open border country, no country that we will accept with flowers. We will not accept boats and the government not to react. “

On incidents of challenging asylum seekers: “There are people who do not come as depressed, but with the mentality of spoiled, without respecting the country that hosts them. There are not only oppressed – there are spoiled. It is not possible to tolerate provocative actions, such as the one at the monument of the unknown soldier. The Greek state is not going to accept such behaviors. Anyone who applies asylum must respect the country. If it does not respect it, the process stops and energizes expulsion. “

On the integration of those who receive asylum: “The government’s logic is clear: the subsidy policy stops. Instead of benefits, we will give opportunities to those who have asylum to acquire skills, learn language, work and integrate in society. Integration cannot mean permanent dependence on the state. The goal is for these people to stand on their feet and not live at the expense of Greek taxpayers. “