Greek government plans closed departure centers for failed asylum seekers

At least five closed pre-departure centers will reportedly be created for migrants who are not entitled to asylum in Greece, while the government will seek to ensure the return to Turkey of 10,000 by the end of 2020.

"Those [migrants] that have entered illegally and are not entitled to asylum cannot move around the country uncontrollably and have no other choice but to return [to Turkey]," government spokesman Stelios Petsas said on Tuesday.

According to reports, these centers will be located on the islands and the mainland and will most likely be former military camps that can accommodate large numbers.

Referring to the migrant and refugee issue, which he described as a matter of "national significance," Petsas said the immediate aim is to decongest island camps with the transfer of 4,000 refugees to shelters on the mainland by the end of November.
Petsas...