Greece eyes migrant repatriation centres outside the EU

Greece is looking to set up repatriation centres for irregular migrants outside the EU and sees Germany as a potential partner, Migration and Asylum Minister Thanos Plevris said on Wednesday.

Speaking on state broadcaster ERTnews, Plevris said the centres would accommodate migrants who cannot be returned to their home countries.

"We are already in talks with safe African countries that could take in illegal migrants," Plevris said. He added that Germany had launched a "serious initiative" and Greece had officially expressed interest.

In response to an enquiry, the German Interior Ministry said it was working on a process to establish so-called return hubs while a comprehensive legal framework is currently being developed at the European level. The ministry did not provide further details about talks with other EU or third countries.

According to the Greek minister, the repatriation centres should comprise two categories. The first category would be secure facilities under EU control, in which the African partner countries would provide support.

The second category would concern countries that are considered less safe, such as Libya, where migrants could also be accommodated.

According to Plevris, the repatriation centres would have a "strong deterrent effect" and reduce illegal migration over the long term.