Thousands face homelessness in Greek refugee relocation push

(AFP) Abdelkader Rahmoun hasn’t slept in days.

The 44-year-old Syrian and his family are among thousands of recognised refugees about to lose the temporary homes they were given under Greece’s asylum seeker housing scheme.

On Monday the first departures began, with dozens leaving flats, hotels and camps on the mainland, authorities said.

In all the Greek authorities plan to move 11,200 people to make room for other asylum seekers currently living in dismal island camps.

Migration Minister Notis Mitarachi has said the housing transfer process had been due to start in April but was delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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