TIRANA, Nov. 8 – Greek authorities have resumed deportations of Albanian citizens living south of the border and denied entry to hundreds of others citing violations on migration and visa-free travel regulations, local media reported.
Most of the denials related to not proving they had enough financial means to support themselves while in Greece.
Greek authorities fear the Albanians are entering as visitors and working in seasonal jobs, which is against regulations.
During the last month, Greek authorities deported more than 2,000 Albanians. Unemployment remains high in the crisis-ridden EU country.
Albanian officials have said Greek authorities are entitled to deport or deny entry to anyone they feel has violated their regulations.
According to Greek police sources, an operation has been taking place across Greece to repatriate emigrants found without the proper papers.
Greece has recently started implementing a new migration law which allows migrants who have been in the country for a while to legalize their status. As such, Greek authorities fear an increase in new Albanian migrants looking to get the papers.
Greek data shows deportation figures for Albanians in Greece have increased in some parts of Greece.
