Attachments
Arrivals and Departures
102,500 people arrived by sea in Greece and about 7,500 in Italy since 1 January 2016, compared with a combined total of 11,834 sea arrivals in January and February 2015.
The Winter Operations Cell statistical analysis forecast between 600-700 people to arrive by sea to Lesvos yesterday (taking into account sea conditions with around 1 metre high waves). However, 1,476 people made the journey indicating the risk level people are willing to accept to enter Europe considering the announced border restrictions in the Western Balkans.
Condition of People
Up to 12,000 refugees and migrants remain in Greece as a result of recently introduced border restrictions. In addition, 138 people were returned from Serbia to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
Regional officials in Greece reached an agreement with the eastern Spanish region of Valencia for the relocation of 1,000 refugees.
This would not be part of the EU relocation scheme.
German Parliament approved stricter asylum regulations regarding establishing reception centres for asylum seekers from safe countries of origin, quicker return procedures and a de facto suspension of family reunification for people with subsidiary protection status German Minister of Interior, Thomas de Maiziere, confirmed that 125 rejected asylumseekers were returned voluntarily by IOM under an agreement between the German and Afghan governments.
According to media sources, in an attempt to stem the flow of refugees, the Norwegian Prime Minister, Erna Solberg, is proposing a law that would allow authorities to prevent asylum seekers from non-conflict areas to enter the country.
Deaths at Sea
So far this year, more than 400 people, including many children, are reported to have died or gone missing at sea.