The joint action plan has been signed by Immigration
Minister, , and Greece’s Alternate Migration and Asylum
Minister, Giorgos Koumoutsakos, today signalling a firm
commitment from both governments to increase cooperation as
illegal migration into Europe via Greece remains high.
Minister for Immigration Compliance, , said:
Illegal migration is facilitated by dangerous, malicious
criminals, taking advantage of the desperate situations
that many people find themselves in. They do not care
about the safety of the people involved.
The joint action plan will deliver on our commitment to
keep our borders secure and will discourage those
considering making the dangerous and illegal journey into
Greece, through Europe, and in many cases to the UK.
Greece is one of the first countries migrants will visit on
their route through Europe, and is used by a significant
proportion of migrants seeking to reach the UK illegally.
The action plan strengthens the UK’s relationship with one
of its key partners in tacking irregular migration and will
improve cooperation across a range of issues.
It will ensure asylum and returns processes are as
efficient as possible, enhance the already excellent
cooperation between UK and Hellenic law enforcement
authorities to dismantle migrant smuggling networks and
tackle organised immigration crime, and renew cooperation
on search and rescue in the Aegean through the UK’s renewed
deployment of a Border Force cutter.
The new plan will come into force immediately.
