The plan to free migrants and put an end to the shocking conditions of Amygdaleza immigration detention center is being put to an end by the Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA government. Since the evacuation plan began, thirty immigrants per day have been passing through special examination committees for documentation that allows them the freedom of movement. Buses carry the Amygdaleza inmates from their camp to Omonoia, most of them returning to the places where they had been first picked up by the police.

After as many as eighteen months at Amygdaleza, none of the immigrants being left free have their own home and many of them are seeking shelter with relatives whereas others are living at special lodgings offered by former employers. A large number also just have nowhere to go, and are seeking somewhere to stay for the first few days of their newfound freedom.

The plan of the Ministry of Civil Protection and Immigration Policy is to put a lockage to Amygdaleza within 100 days. This means that 1,500 immigrants kept here of which 500 have been here for over six months will need to be transported elsewhere. 60 of the immigrants are minors, 200 have already submitted applications for asylum but have received no answer and 100 face penal charges. Greek Alternative Minister for Citizens’ Protection Yiannis Panousis told Proto Thema that those facing penal charges are being observed by a psychologist, social worker and are being offered guidance. “This doesn’t mean that they’ll all gather together at Omonoia because there will be a monitored freedom, nor will the children travel around the streets,” he said.

From Amygdaleza to Omonoia in photos…

16.02 Thursday: The red bar of the central gate of Amygdaleza lifts so that a tourist bus carrying 30 immigrants can pass through. 

A police car accompanies the coach to downtown Athens. 

16.25: The two vehicles travel through Thrakomakedonon Street and turn to Kifissou, heading towards Omonia via Pireos Street.

16.40: The immigrants get off the bus at the corner of Menandrou and Pireos streets, just a few meters away from Polykliniki medical center. 

16.50- OMONIA
Cheesy grins and the victory signs as immigrants rush from the bus only to be lost in the backstreets of the Omonia district. 

A young man from Bangladesh with the note from the Athens Residency Bureau.

Mission ‘Free the Migrants’ accomplished, but the real difficulty of integration begins.