Migration minister proposes Frontex be allowed to operate beyond EU borders

Returning failed asylum seekers to their home countries could become an easier task if European border patrol agency Frontex could operate outside of European borders,  Migration Minister Notis Mitarakis said during a chat at the Delphi Economic Forum VI on Wednesday.

Speaking with German Deputy Minister for Migration Stephan Mayer, Mitarakis added that bilateral agreements with other partner countries would be required for this. 

Collaborating with third countries to prevent migrants’ departures from Turkey is also key, he added, as is a strong presence of Frontex in relevant regions.

On his side, Mayer called on Greek authorities to intensify efforts for improving the hospitality and welfare system for asylum seekers or recognized refugees in Greece, in view of reducing the attraction factor for irregular secondary migration influx.

According to data he cited, some 13,000 people have sought asylum in Germany since the summer of 2020, but they had already received international protection status in Greece.

He also said the two countries should work together on mutual guarantees so that more relocations to Greece are possible from Germany.

[ANA-MPA]