The results of a relatively new project for the initial reception of irregular migrants, who arrive at Greece’s entry points, was presented by the Ministry of Public Order and Citizens’ Protection on September 15.

The tool, which is operational since July 2013, is called Mobile Initial Reception Units. Their mission is to provide irregular migrants entering Greece with basic assistance, medical and psychological help, as well as notifying them about their rights and providing them with clothes and toiletries. They are also able to notify health officials if further medical treatment is required. Each unit accommodates 8 to 10 people.

The goal is to ensure that those, like Syrians, who are eligible to international protection, will receive it. Economic migrants are notified that under the existing legislation, they are not allowed to stay on European ground and are offered the alternative of participating iν International Organization for Migration voluntary repatriation programmes.

According to official figures, from November 2013 until August 2014, a total of 4,916 people entered the initial reception procedure (4,098 men and 818 women). Of them, only 16 have requested to be granted asylum. A total of 2,099 are from Afghanistan, 1,596 from Syria, followed by Somalia and Eritrea.

Greek News Agenda: Malmström: Progress on Greek Asylum & Migration Policy