The issue of undocumented migration was discussed between Greek Minister of Migration & Asylum Notis Mitarachi and UK Home Secretary Priti Patel, in a meeting held in London on Wednesday.
“Our countries face a common challenge,” said Mitarachi according to a Greek ministry statement, as “there is a need to respect the Geneva Convention, but there is also a need to protect our borders by implementing – as we do in Greece – a strict but fair migration policy that distinguishes refugees from economic migrants, with quick but fair decisions.”
Even non-EU European countries, like Britain – which is no longer part of the discussion on EU’s New Pact on Migration and Asylum – can play a catalytic role in policy drafting as regards to migration, he pointed out, while Greece and the UK can exchange best practices based on their extensive experience and know-how in asylum matters.
On Twitter, Patel wrote after the meeting: “Great to meet Greek Minister Mitarachi today to discuss our shared commitment to tackle illegal migration. We are working closely to close down the routes fuelling people smuggling and organised immigration crime.”
