Greece approves faster return of migrants, aims to establish return centers

Greece's parliament approved a law late Tuesday that allows for the accelerated deportation of rejected asylum seekers and their transfer to "return centers" outside the EU, once bilateral agreements are reached with third countries, Reuters reports.

Greece – the southernmost European country in the Mediterranean and a major entry point for migrants – was on the front lines during the 2015–2016 crisis, when more than a million people from the Middle East and Africa entered Europe.

Inflows have since declined, but the two Aegean islands closest to the African coast – Crete and Gavdos – have seen a sharp increase in boats carrying migrants, mainly from Libya, arriving on their shores over the past two years.

European Union lawmakers and governments last week agreed new rules that allow countries to send migrants ordered to leave the EU to centers in third countries, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups, who warn it could open the door to abuses.

Greece is working with the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany and Austria to establish joint return and transit centers, while bilateral talks with Uganda on a similar arrangement are currently on hold.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday's vote, Greek Migration Minister Thanos Plevris said EU states were negotiating with third countries to reach first agreements this year for the centers to start operating in 2027.

“The Greek government is already in consultations with two African countries,” Plevris told the semi-state Athens News Agency on Wednesday. He did not name the countries.