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"From now on Greece cannot be 'nowhere' neither it can be hell for humans," with those words the minister of citizens protection Mihalis Chrisohoidis described his policy regarding illegal immigration. The minister also added that the illegal immigration fight will be led with decisiveness and with respect to human rights.

In order to support his word with actions, from today and for the next few weeks, a total of 1200 foreigners will be released from different prisons, who have not committed any crimes. This will be done "so that they can feel this country respects their dignity". They will be given a deadline of one month and the amount of about €1200, which is provided by Eu programs. The minister promised that all children to illegal immigrants, who have grown up in greece will not be deported and will be given residence permits.

During his yesterday's visit to the port authorities the minister noted that there are about 5500 illegal foreigners in prisons and in shelters living in miserable conditions, who have been arrested for not having any papers. Also arrested foreigners are made to live for months in one square meter living area, while waiting for the authority's decision. The protection of those human souls is entrusted to 14 000 policemen and this cannot go on, said Mr. Chrisohoidis.

The minister was certain that from now on the country cannot bear any more traffickers and bribes, which are given to port authorities. "It is clear there are organized channels for forging documents, travel documents, ID cards, and mostly passports," said the minister.

Last year 6500 foreigners were arrested at Eleftherios Venizelos airport, who unsuccessfully have tried to leave for other European countries. Besides this, Mr. Chrisohoidis said that from now on the port police will have the sole responsibility guard the sea borders of the country and to watch for illegal trespassing.

The decision to give money to illegal immigrants, in order for them to be able to go home, aims to decrease the number of illegal immigrants, who are in police stations and in prisons right now and the significant presence of port authorities at the sea borders will let Turkish traffickers know that if they are arrested for trafficking, they will be severely punished.

"I hope that after they get the chance to return to their countries with dignity, the immigrants will do it. They have believed that they have come to the Promised Land but they faced many problems and were used and exploited by many different charlatans," said minister Christohoidis.