Illegal Immigrant Deportations: Plan and Numbers

The government's plan to intensify the returns of third-country nationals not entitled to international protection is underway. The Ministry of Migration and Asylum aims to increase returns while ensuring the institutional organization of the process.

More than 1,000 returns are expected within two months, with an additional 250 forced returns expected soon. The next return flights include:

• August 29: First return of rejected asylum seekers to Egypt.
• September 2: Joint operation with Frontex for 40 Pakistanis and 10 Georgians.
• September 3–5: Two more return operations to Cairo.
• September 14: Return flight of rejected asylum seekers to Dhaka.

Minister Thanos Plevris' contacts with the ambassadors of Egypt, Pakistan, and Bangladesh have strengthened cooperation. Agreements with airlines and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) also assist in the process.

In contrast to the past, the focus is on Egypt, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, in addition to returns to Albania and Georgia.

Return Numbers:

• July: 581 (379 via Hellenic Police, 202 via IOM)
• August: 227 (139 forced, 88 voluntary, until 20/8)