The number of migrants arriving in Greece dropped 90 percent in April, EU border agency Frontex said on Friday, in a sign that a deal with Turkey to send back those who make the sea journey between the two countries is working.
With regards to the Western Balkans, the Frontex notes that the significantly reduced number of migrants allowed to enter FYROM from Greece continued to affect the rest of the Western Balkan route. “The number of migrants at EU’s external borders in the region fell by a quarter in April compared to March to 3 830. It was also slightly more than half the figure recorded in April 2015.”
Under the EU Turkey Deal refugees and migrants arriving in Greece after March 20th are supposed to be sent back to Turkey but the majority of the new arrivals submitted asylum applications and will stay in Greece until the procedure is over.
There are currently 55,000 registered refugees and migrants trapped in Greece. The real number is estimated 60,000-70,000 people.
PS too bad, the EU Turkey Deal will not happen…