Rise Of Illegal Immigrants Crossing Into Greece, Set To Increase Even More

It was recently announced that the numbers of illegal immigrants crossings through Greek and/or European sea borders have risen dramatically due to ongoing economic migration, but also on account of the conflicts in Syria and Iraq.

Addressing reporters at a recent press conference, Greek Minister of Shipping Miltiades Varvitsiotis said that the number of people trying to cross into Greece is expected to triple by the end of 2014 over the same period last year, with 10,500 detained in 2013, while the number reached 17,000 in the first eight months of 2014.

The Greek state is expected to continue with patrols and checks to protect its borders, Varvitsiotis added, and "will not give up trying to save all lives at sea." However, the minister added, the dramatic increase of crossings and the cost of search and rescue operations, including hospitality, have placed a large strain on operational capability and effectiveness.

      "We have reached our limits. The risk is to have more incidents at sea," he noted.

This is why the Greek state submitted a request for additional EU funding, said the Minister, in order to address the increased operating expenses as well as all growing staff requirements.

Source in Greek - NEWS247