Greek Minister of Migration and Asylum Dimitris Kairidis while conducting the interview with Ahram Online reporter.
Jan 27, 2024. Posted by Balkan Periscope - Hellas
Cairo/Athens
Greek Minister of Migration and Asylum Dimitris Kairidis spoke to Ahram Online about the current cooperation between his country and Egypt and the priorities and challenges for Greece.
Kairidis believes in undercutting the smugglers' business model and combatting their criminal networks that put immigrants' lives at risk every day. He also said that one of the priorities for 2024 is to enhance alternative legal pathways to migration according to the increased needs of the growing Greek economy.
Ahram
Online: How would you describe the current immigration situation in Greece?
What are the challenges, priorities and developments?
Dimitris
Kairidis: Greece has managed the international surge in irregular migration
post-pandemic in 2023 better than most European countries, thanks to the
vigilant guarding of borders and its upgraded reception and asylum system. Our
main source of concern has traditionally been the border with Turkey, but since
September of last year, we have witnessed much better cooperation with our
eastern neighbour. One of our priorities for 2024 is to enhance alternative
legal pathways to migration according to the increased needs of the growing
Greek economy.
AO: How has
Greece handled the influx of migrants and refugees in recent years? What new
measures have been taken in this regard?
DK: Much
better than many other European countries, there has been a lot of progress in
handling asylum seekers since 2019. Greece has a well-functioning reception and
asylum system, and it processes asylum applications quickly and credibly.
AO: Can you
evaluate the cooperation between Greece and Egypt regarding immigration issues?
What are the areas of collaboration, and what outcomes have been achieved so
far?
DK: Greece
has constantly reiterated to its European partners that Egypt is a key country
in managing irregular migration. Egypt is carrying a huge burden with the
millions of refugees that it hosts. Therefore, it deserves Europe's generous
financial support. We particularly appreciate that the Egyptian coast, unlike
the coasts of neighbouring countries, remains secure.
AO:
Recently, an agreement on providing 5000 workers in the field of agriculture
was signed between Egypt and Greece. Can you tell us more about the progress of
this agreement and if there will be any other agreements in the future in
different fields?
DK: Egyptians
are welcome in Greek society. There is a certain chemistry between our two
peoples, and many Greek employers are willing to hire Egyptian workers,
particularly in agriculture, tourism, and construction. The recently signed
agreement is one more expression of the close cooperation between our two
countries. We now have to implement it.
AO: Are
there any other joint initiatives underway to tackle migration issues?
DK: Egypt
and Greece have a very old agreement for fishing workers that has worked well
for decades. Furthermore, we are discussing with the International Organization
of Migration (IOM) the inclusion of Egypt in its privileged partnership
program.
AO: What
are the plans to enhance cooperation between Greece and Egypt in immigration
management?
DK: Our
goal is to dispense with illegal and encourage legal migration. Therefore, we
must be ready to take bold action when necessary, as we did with the irregular
flow from eastern Libya to southern Crete. This means that irregular arrivals
should be followed with speedy returns back. We certainly do not want another
"Lampedusa" in the Mediterranean. I have great confidence that the
Egyptian authorities understand the challenge and the risks involved.
AO: In your
opinion, what role can Egypt play in the broader European Union's efforts to
address migration challenges?
DK: Egypt's
contribution to migration management has been significant and underappreciated
in Europe. I have personally taken the floor many times in recent ministerial
councils in Brussels to emphasize the need to do more for Egypt. This has
become even more urgent after the eruption of the Gaza crisis that threatens
the stability of the entire Middle East.
AO: What
are the priorities regarding the migration policies between Greece and Egypt?
DK: Our
top priority is making the recently signed bilateral agreement work and
establishing legal alternatives to migration through which both Egyptians and
Greeks can benefit. We must undercut the smugglers' business model and combat
their criminal networks that put immigrants' lives at risk every day.
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