NEWS

Over 20,000 migrants in Greece have applied for repatriation since 2010

More than 20,000 undocumented immigrants have applied for voluntary repatriation since the onset of the Greek crisis in 2010, according to Daniel Esdras, head of the Greek branch of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which runs a European Union-funded program helping migrants return to their homelands.

On a visit on Monday to the western port of Patra, a key gateway for migrants trying to get to Western Europe, Esdras said 2013 was first year that the number of migrants leaving the country was larger than those who arrived.

A hostel for underage unaccompanied migrants is due to start operating in Patra this week, Esdras said.

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