Turkey Receives the First Deported Migrants from Greece

The first deported migrants from Greece arrived at Dikili in western Turkey on Monday, the first day of the implementation of the relocation agreement between Ankara and the European Union.
A total of 202 migrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh were the first deportees, 136 from the Mytilene Port on Lesvos and 66 from Chios. The migrants arrived at Dikili on two separate Turkish-flagged boats, accompanied by Turkish Coast Guard boats. The migrants were escorted by Frontex personnel.
About 350 Frontex officers are monitoring the return of the migrants to Turkey, as the agreement dictates that each migrant should be accompanied by one Frontex officer. Turkish officials said they expect about 500 migrants on Monday, the first day of the implementation of the treaty.
According to the EU-Turkey deal, Ankara will take back all migrants and refugees, including Syrians, who enter Greece illegally in return for the EU taking in thousands of Syrian refugees directly from Turkey and rewarding it with more money, early visa-free travel, and progress in its EU membership negotiations.

However, rights groups condemn the deal as Turkey is not considered a safe third country for refugees. In addition, there are concerns over the preparation for the relocation process.

“This is the first day of a very difficult time for refugee rights. Despite the serious legal gaps and lack of adequate protection in Turkey, the EU is forging ahead with a dangerous deal,” Giorgos Kosmopoulos, head of Amnesty International in Greece, told the Associated Press from Lesbos.

“Turkey is not a safe third country for refugees. The EU and Greek authorities know this and have no excuse,” he added.

At the same time, a total 339 migrants arrived on Greek islands on Monday morning. Specifically, 173 migrants landed on Lesvos, 74 on Chios, 89 on Samos and 3 on Leros.