x

Greece orders registration of NGOs on migrant-crowded islands

Officials on Wednesday said Greece has ordered all non-governmental organisations (NGOs) helping migrants on the Aegean islands to immediately register with the authorities.

Deputy Migration Minister Giorgos Koumoutsakos, told radio Protothema that “these organisations sprang like mushrooms after the rain. Some behave like bloodsuckers.’’

The parliament in Athens passed a relevant law in an emergency procedure, seeking to bring order to the chaotic migrant situation on the islands.

Koumoutsakos accused some of the organisations operating on the islands, where thousands of migrants are stranded after arriving from Turkey, of abusing the volatile situation to tap EU funding.

He voiced doubts that a protest of thousands of migrants on Lesbos, which ended with police firing tear gas to disperse the people occupying the island capital Mytilini, was spontaneous, implying that it was incited by some of the NGOs.

Worried by the Greek’s government plan to accelerate the deportation of those whose asylum applications are rejected, the demonstrators demanded a transfer to the mainland.

On top of moving to accelerate the processing of asylum applications and deportations, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ government has taken or plans to take other steps to ease the burden of migrant overcrowding on the islands.

The authorities already moved thousands of true refugees to the mainland, but the numbers arriving still outpace those leaving.

Earlier, Athens opened a tender for the construction of a floating barrier off Lesbos to test the possibility of physically blocking the migrants sailing in from the Turkish coast, only 10-12 kilometres away.

Hot this week

Youth Activist Prince Miaphen Felicitates Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru at 63

By Israel Adamu, JosFormer President of the Plateau Youth...

CSOs Hail Court Order Stopping PENGASSAN’s Strike

…say parties must respect the rule of lawA coalition...

Africa’s infrastructure deficit takes spotlight at pre-G20 event

..Two-day side event in Johannesburg seeks to mobilize global...

20 Dead, Several Missing in Fresh Boat Mishap in Kogi

By Noah Ocheni, LokojaAt least 20 people have been...

Nigeria @65: Northern CAN Urges Hope, Calls on Leaders to Strengthen Nation-Building

By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaThe Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN),...

Bishop Adegbite Names Fintiri as Most Pilgrim Friendly Governor

By Joyce Remi-BabayejuThe Executive Secretary of the Nigerian...

Clean Up Abuja: Wike Reiterates Commitment to Waste Management

By Joyce Remi-BabayejuThe FCT Minister, Barr. Nysome...

Good Road Network Attracting Investors to FCT – Wike

... Investors to Replicate Dubai City Walk in AbujaBy...

Emir of Zazzau Faces Two Defamation Suits Over Radio Interview

...Court to Hear Case November 4By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaThe...

Tinubu, Mutfwang, Akpabio, and Other Dignitaries Honour APC Chairman’s Mother at Jos Funeral

By Israel Adamu, JosPresident Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Plateau State...

How l became a consultant inside Kaduna Prison – Journalist Idibia

MY STORYBy Idibia GabrielIt is Interesting but hazardous to...

RCCG Pastor Urges Men to Embrace Physical Exercise for Greater Productivity

By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaThe Zonal Pastor of the Redeemed...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img