Drawing the Geographic Boundaries of Expulsion and Readmission in Greece: The Dynamics of an Elusive Process

Abstract:

Probing into the dynamics of expulsion and readmission in Greece, this article traces the growing importance of the processes in the shifting geography of irregular migration in the country. It presents and interprets the relevant data that amply indicate the increasing irregular migrant inflows from Asian and African countries of origin, accompanied by the waning of the respective from Albania, a former predominant migrant country of origin.

This article lays particular emphasis on the mounting significance of Turkey as gate of irregular entry. In this respect, the implementation of expulsion and readmission has been addressed as pertinent not exclusively to migration control, but also to foreign policy contingencies and the political will of the actors involved in the process. Feedback has been provided as to the prospects of a viable readmission, configured in the interaction and co-operation among the main actors, Greece, Turkey and the EU.