At the time of the visit, there were 56 persons detained in one cluster of containers that was operational.

“What remains critical for UNHCR is the procedure, criteria and conditions of police operations leading to mass arrests of undocumented aliens, with a view to transfer them to Amygdaleza detention centre, as well as to other centres that are to be created in the future.”

UNHCR also remained expressed doubts by the fact that access to the asylum procedure at the Attica Aliens Directorate in Petrou Ralli, as well as at other police directorates around the country, remains even today significantly limited. Therefore, among those arrested with a view to be removed from the country, there may be persons in need of international protection, who, nevertheless, were unable to submit their asylum claim.

According to the current legislation, administrative detention of undocumented aliens is allowed only for a limited period of time and only ahead of their removal from the country. In case their removal is not possible (due to legal or practical reasons), the effectiveness of the detention measure is doubtful.

“Each week, more than 100 people, including some women and children, waiting all night outside the Aliens in Petrou Ralli, hoping to be able to submit their request for asylum.”

Greece received 9,310 asylum applications in 2011, ranking 14th among receiving countries, accoridng to UNHCR statistics.

A total of 1,200 migrants are to be moved into the center until mid-May. Then additional centers are to open in different parts of the country, according to Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis   who insists that this project will solve Greece’s problem with illegal immigration.

Meanwhile,  Amygdaleza deputy mayor Chrysanthos Kontaris on Monday said a lawsuit has been filed against Greek police and Citizens’ Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis after the detention center for illegal migrants opened in the area, insisting that the containers  were originally set up to house people hit by natural disasters such as earthquakes.