Illegal immigration is a hot potato

The issue of illegal immigration was the focus of today’s meeting chaired by the Prime Minister. The following members of the government were present: Y.Ragousis, Ch.Papoutsis, L.Katseli, G.Koutroumanis, A.Dalara and Ch.Aidonis.

The meeting was the first of two; the second one will occur within ten days, again chaired by the PM.

In the meeting there was a proposal for a more flexible position in reference to the necessary work stamps needed for an immigrant to be legalised (400 for 2 years), whilst it was discussed whether the Ministries of Internal Affairs and Employment will set up legislation that will categorise legal and illegal immigrants in relation to work and permits.
 
Stricter fines for employers that employ illegal immigrants were discussed, as well as how they will construct a mechanism forsending back illegal immigrants to their country of origin.
 
In relation to the immigrants in the Ypatia building, the governement’s stand is that “we will not be blackmailed” and the specific immigrants will be investigated on a case-by-case basis according to the law.

The governement’s representative, Mr.Petalotis, replying to a question on what will happen for all these immigrants that already have the criteria for becoming legal but do not have enough work stamps due to the lack of jobs, replied that “there will not be special treatment through new legislation for anyone without the specific prerequisites by law, but we are looking into new ways of improving the law. However, our primary concern is the public interest”.