Migrants Change Routes, Stay in Greece Longer During Winter

Migrants who pass through Greece on their way to wealthier European countries change their routes and stay in Greece for longer periods when winter comes, the Head of Operation of Emergency Appeal of Hellenic Red Cross told Sputnik on Monday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said earlier this week that the number of refugees who had crossed the Mediterranean Sea in 2015 to arrive in Greece was 15 times higher than last year.

"We are expecting that on heavy winter days the sea as a transport medium will not be effective, but the real thing that is really happening is that the migrants are changing the routes… We foresee that the migrants will be staying longer in Greece," Angelica Fanaki said.

According to Fanaki, migrants are currently staying about five days in Greece.

"For the time being the numbers have not declined at all, on the daily basis we still receive in average 6,000 people," she added.

According to a report by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, obtained by Sputnik, the current number of the daily arrivals on the islands of Greece is averaging some 5,400 people. The organization and other NGOs distribute basic medical aid, relief distribution as well as psychological support and services aimed at restoring family links.