The number of refugees and migrants stranded in Greece is over 45,000 and keeps growing on a daily basis as more desperate souls end up on Greek shores but cannot continue their way to the core of Europe as the Balkan borders are completely closed.
The migrant situation in Greece is expected to cost the Greek government more than 600 million euros this year and could take up to two years to clear, according to defense minister and newly appointed migration coordinator Dimitris Vitsas.
Speaking to the Financial Times. Mr. Vitsas said that the relocation of refugees to other European countries may take months and even up to two years. He also said that many refugees will most likely remain permanently in Greece.
EU authorities are hoping to relocate 6,000 refugees a month, but that would still leave thousands of others in Greek camps at least until autumn.
Mr. Vitsas said that the government is working hard and fast to complete five more refugee camps as part of its promise to accommodate 50,000 refugees.
More than 10,000 refugees are stranded in Idomeni camp. On the Greek-FYROM border, living under horrible conditions, but Mr. Vitsas said “people don’t have to stay at Idomeni, we have more than enough places in three proper camps only 20km away where they can live decently.”
Mr. Vitsas also admitted that many refugees stranded in Greece will most likely remain there permanently. He said it is possible that Turkey will refuse to accept them.
The defense minister also expressed his frustration over the fact that several European countries are refusing to accept more than a handful of refugees.
“Some countries have governments that seem to be driven by xenophobia,” said Mr. Vitsas.
(Source: Financial Times)
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