The UK and Greece have committed to deepen cooperation
on irregular migration in the Eastern
Mediterranean.
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.
