Illegal immigration alert in Greece: Hundreds of patrols placed on the Turkish border

It has been reported that Greece has reinforced its border with Turkey against the increase in illegal immigration of late.

As reported by the British newspaper The Guardian, the Greek government increased security at the border as a precaution against the influx of new immigrants after the earthquakes that caused great destruction in 11 provinces of Turkey and northern Syria. It was claimed that a large number of patrols were posted on the Turkish border and controls were tightened at the land and sea borders.

Hundreds of new security personnel also fanned out over the weekend on the banks of the Evros river, where illegal immigration from Turkey took place.

Greek Migration Minister Notis Mitaraçi said earthquake aid to Turkey and Syria must be increased against illegal immigration, otherwise the number of irregular migrants trying to cross into Europe could explode. Speaking at the extraordinary border security meeting held in Athens on Friday, the Greek minister argued that new measures must be taken at Europe’s external borders.

Mitaraçi also pointed out that the fence on the Turkish border will extend along the Meriç river. It is also planned to deploy new coast guard ships in the Aegean Sea.

Greece has long come under fire for beating up illegal migrants and pushing them back to Turkey, while Frontex, which is responsible for the security of the EU’s external borders, approves.

Finally, the bodies of 59 people, 12 of whom were children, on a migrant boat, which was set to leave Izmir, washed up on the Italian shores, inflaming debates on migration in Europe.