Desperation grows in Greece as asylum process drags on

Nearly two months after the implementation of the EU-Turkey deportation deal in March 2016, refugees were packed into camps on Greek islands. Those who had a chance of asylum waited. Others risked their lives by trying to swim away.

However the number of migrants arriving on the Greek islands in April 2016 plunged by 90% compared to the previous month, reaching fewer than 2,700. The drop was a result of several factors, including the EU-Turkey agreement and stricter border policies applied by the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia at its border with Greece.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Trapped in Greece. An avoidable refugee crisis http://www.europeansources.info/record/trapped-in-greece-an-avoidable-refugee-crisis/

ESO: Information Guide: European Migration Challenges http://www.europeansources.info/record/information-guide-european-migration-challenges/

ESO: Background information: EU provides €83 million to improve conditions for refugees in Greece http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-eu-provides-e83-million-to-improve-conditions-for-refugees-in-greece/

ESO: Background information: Greek ‘Plan B’ reported, if EU-Turkey deal collapses http://www.europeansources.info/record/greek-plan-b-reported-if-eu-turkey-deal-collapses-erdogan-says-he-wants-visa-waiver-by-october-turkey-eu-trade-barbs-over-visa-free-travel-conditions/

Kathimerini, 14.05.16: Slowdown in migrant arrivals continues on Saturday http://www.ekathimerini.com/208654/article/ekathimerini/news/slowdown-in-migrant-arrivals-continues-on-saturday

Frontex: News, 13.05.16: Number of migrants arriving in Greece dropped 90% in April http://frontex.europa.eu/news/number-of-migrants-arriving-in-greece-dropped-90-in-april-6e7oBw

openDemocracy: Can Europe Make It?, 04.05.16: Trapped in the new Greek archipelago with no way out https://www.opendemocracy.net/can-europe-make-it/tim-baster-isabelle-merminod/trapped-in-new-greek-archipelago-with-no-way-out

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