N※N

Show Politics and Government Publications

Greece Implements Ankle Monitors for Asylum Seekers, Sparking Controversy

Greece's Tough Stance on Migration: Ankle Monitors, Deportations, and Asylum Overhauls

In a significant shift in migration policy, Greece has introduced a series of measures aimed at tightening control over asylum seekers and accelerating deportations. The conservative government, led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has rolled out electronic ankle monitors for migrants awaiting asylum decisions, marking a new era of surveillance in the country's handling of irregular migration. This development comes amid ongoing pressures from arrivals via the Aegean Sea and land borders, where thousands continue to seek refuge from conflict zones in the Middle East and Africa.

The ankle monitors, equipped with GPS technology, are designed to track the movements of asylum applicants who are not detained in camps. Officials argue that this system allows for greater freedom while ensuring compliance with asylum procedures. Migrants fitted with these devices must adhere to strict rules, such as residing in designated areas and reporting regularly to authorities. Failure to comply could result in detention or expedited deportation. Proponents of the policy, including migration ministry officials, claim it strikes a balance between humanitarian concerns and border security, reducing the burden on overcrowded reception centers on islands like Lesbos and Samos.

Critics, however, including human rights organizations and migrant advocates, have decried the monitors as dehumanizing and a violation of privacy. They liken the devices to electronic shackles, arguing that they stigmatize asylum seekers and treat them as criminals rather than individuals fleeing persecution. One asylum seeker from Syria, interviewed in Athens, described the constant beeping and weight of the monitor as a reminder of his precarious status, saying it made him feel like a prisoner in a country he hoped would offer safety. Advocacy groups such as Amnesty International have called for the immediate cessation of such practices, emphasizing that they contravene international standards on refugee rights and could deter genuine asylum claims.

This surveillance initiative is part of a broader overhaul of Greece's migration framework. The government has also ramped up deportations, prioritizing the return of those whose asylum applications are rejected. In recent months, hundreds have been sent back to Turkey under the EU-Turkey deal established in 2016, which aims to curb irregular crossings by facilitating readmissions. Greek authorities have streamlined the asylum process, introducing faster screenings and appeals to reduce backlogs that have long plagued the system. Migration Minister Notis Mitarachi has defended these changes, stating that they are necessary to deter economic migrants posing as refugees and to protect Greece's borders, which he describes as the European Union's frontline against uncontrolled migration.

The context for these policies traces back to the 2015-2016 migration crisis, when over a million people arrived in Europe via Greece, overwhelming local resources and sparking political tensions. Since then, Greece has faced criticism for alleged pushbacks at sea—illegal returns of migrant boats to Turkish waters without processing claims. The European Union has provided funding for border fortifications, including fences along the Evros River border with Turkey, but has also urged Athens to uphold asylum rights. Recent data indicates a fluctuation in arrivals: while numbers dipped during the COVID-19 pandemic, they have risen again due to instability in Afghanistan, Syria, and sub-Saharan Africa.

Beyond ankle monitors and deportations, the government is expanding closed reception centers, known as "controlled access facilities," where migrants are housed under stricter conditions. These centers feature high fences, surveillance cameras, and limited external access, ostensibly to improve security and prevent escapes. Supporters argue that such facilities enhance efficiency in processing claims, with on-site medical and legal support. However, reports from inside these centers paint a grim picture: overcrowding, poor sanitation, and mental health issues among residents, many of whom have endured traumatic journeys.

The policy shifts have drawn mixed reactions within Greece. In border regions, locals often support tougher measures, citing strains on public services and occasional tensions with migrant populations. On the islands, tourism-dependent economies have suffered from the presence of large camps, leading to calls for faster relocations to the mainland. Conversely, urban areas like Athens host solidarity networks that provide aid to migrants, organizing protests against what they see as draconian policies.

Internationally, the EU has expressed cautious approval, with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praising Greece's role in managing external borders. Yet, the European Court of Human Rights has ruled against Greece in several cases involving mistreatment of migrants, highlighting ongoing concerns. Neighboring Turkey, a key player in migration flows, has accused Greece of violating migrant rights, while using the issue as leverage in broader geopolitical disputes over energy resources in the Mediterranean.

As Greece navigates these challenges, the human stories behind the policies remain poignant. Families separated during crossings, children growing up in limbo, and individuals like a young Afghan engineer who fled Taliban rule, now monitored while awaiting a decision that could define his future. The ankle monitor on his leg, he says, is a constant itch, a symbol of uncertainty in a land that once symbolized democracy and refuge.

Looking ahead, experts predict that without comprehensive EU-wide reforms, such as fair burden-sharing among member states, Greece's unilateral measures may only provide temporary relief. Climate change and global conflicts are expected to drive more migration, testing the limits of these surveillance and deportation strategies. In the meantime, the debate rages on: is this a necessary defense of sovereignty, or a slide toward fortress Europe that abandons core humanitarian values?

The government's approach also includes incentives for voluntary returns, offering financial aid to those who agree to go back home. This has seen some uptake, particularly among economic migrants from Pakistan and Bangladesh, but critics argue it pressures vulnerable people into hasty decisions. Legal aid organizations report that many asylum seekers lack proper representation, leading to flawed assessments.

In urban settings, monitored migrants face practical hurdles: finding employment is difficult with the device's visibility, and social integration is hampered by stigma. One initiative by NGOs provides counseling to help cope with the psychological toll, emphasizing resilience-building workshops.

Politically, these policies bolster Mitsotakis's New Democracy party, appealing to voters concerned about security. Opposition parties, like Syriza, advocate for more compassionate reforms, proposing increased EU funding for integration programs.

Ultimately, Greece's migration strategy reflects broader European dilemmas: balancing security with humanity in an era of mass displacement. As ankle monitors beep across the country and deportation flights take off, the quest for a sustainable solution continues, with lives hanging in the balance. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full Associated Press Article at:
[ https://apnews.com/article/migrants-greece-asylum-ankle-monitorsdeportations-88075c2ed95dfb6b20a34638bb9dc9c4 ]