N. Mitarachi: "We continue the strategy of relocating refugees to other EU countries. For the last two years, much more people have left our country than those entering our borders. European solidarity is the solution to migration."
Today, Tuesday 28 September 2021, departed from the Athens International Airport ΄El. Venizelos to Portugal, 41 Afghan recognized refugees, in the framework of the bilateral agreement between Greece and Portugal, which provides for the relocation of a total of 1,000 recognized refugees and asylum seekers.
Today's departure, took place in the presence of the Minister for Migration and Asylum, Mr. Notis Mitarachi, the Secretary General for Migration Policy, Mr. Patroklos Georgiadis, the Deputy Governor of the Asylum Service, Mr. Ioannis Sfyrakis and the Ambassador of Portugal, Mrs. Helena Paina. The number of recognized refugees and migrants relocated to Portugal reaches 57.
In the coming weeks, another 43 beneficiaries of the program will travel to Lisbon, completing the pilot phase of the Portugal-Greece bilateral agreement.
The implementation of the program takes place with the funding of the Government of Portugal and specifically the Ministry of Internal Affairs (Portuguese Migration and Border Service SEF).
The Minister of Migration and Asylum, Mr. Notis Mitarachi, stated:
"We continue the strategy of relocating refugees to other EU countries. For the last two years, much more people have left our country than those entering our borders. I would like to thank Portugal, which has offered to take in 1.000 recognized refugees and asylum seekers. Today, 41 people from Afghanistan will fly to Lisbon. European solidarity is the solution to migration."
