Authorities in Greece intends to give illegal immigrants money to return to their countries, officials said Friday in Athens, according to AFP.
Greek Ministry of Social Protection informed through a press, it was established a fund of 600,000 euros (870,000 dollars) for "voluntary repatriation" of those immigrants who want to leave Greece.
Greek authorities also launched, and a campaign to promote the initiative.
Combating illegal immigration is one of the priorities of the new socialist government in Athens, led by George Papandreou, who was invested in October this year.
In 2008, Greece was the main entry point for immigrants in the European Union. Moreover, about 50% of all illegal immigrants in the EU have entered in the Community across Greek territory.
According to estimates of the Greek Ministry of Interior in Greece about 250,000 illegal immigrants live.
Greek Ministry of Social Protection informed through a press, it was established a fund of 600,000 euros (870,000 dollars) for "voluntary repatriation" of those immigrants who want to leave Greece.
Greek authorities also launched, and a campaign to promote the initiative.
Combating illegal immigration is one of the priorities of the new socialist government in Athens, led by George Papandreou, who was invested in October this year.
In 2008, Greece was the main entry point for immigrants in the European Union. Moreover, about 50% of all illegal immigrants in the EU have entered in the Community across Greek territory.
According to estimates of the Greek Ministry of Interior in Greece about 250,000 illegal immigrants live.
