Migrant Arrivals in Greece Increase after Failed Coup Attempt in Turkey

Greek Coast Guard members help migrants to disembark at the port of Kalamata, in South Peloponnese, Greece, 17 April 2016. Photo EPA/BGNES

The number of migrants arriving in Greece has increased following the failed July 15 coup attempt in Turkey, AFP has reported, citing officials.

Three days after the coup attempt, a group of Turkish officials tasked with monitoring the EU-Turkey accord on migration on the Greek side returned home, and have yet to be replaced, AFP said on Thursday. 

Around 13,000 members of the military, police, judiciary, and civil servants have been arrested since July 15 and tens of thousands more removed from their posts, Turkey's Anadolu Agency reported earlier this week.

According to Greek government data cited by AFP, the average rate of migrant arrivals has increased to 90 people per day, from 30 before the attempted coup.

Last year, thousands of migrants and refugees arrived every day on Greek Aegean islands close to the coast of Turkey last year.

AFP quoted a Greek government source as saying that the rise in the number of migrant arrivals, could be ‘temporary’ and there was ‘no concern’ on part of the government.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!