Turkey set to take back illegal migrants from Greece as of March 20: Turkish official

ISTANBUL

REUTERS photo

Turkey is set to begin taking back illegal migrants crossing into Greece as of March 20, and the returns will start as of April 4, a senior Turkish official has said. 

According to a deal between the EU and Turkey to curb the migrant flow into the bloc, which is yet to be officially agreed upon, Turkey will take back illegal migrants that cross to Greece as of March 20, Turkish private broadcaster CNNTürk quoted a senior Turkish official as saying on March 18. These remarks came as a meeting between Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu and the 28 leaders of the EU was ongoing in Brussels. 

The illegal migrants crossing into Greece from March 20 onwards will start to be brought back to Turkey as of April 4, the source said, adding that the relocation of migrants from Turkey into the EU would also take place as of April 4. 

Meanwhile, Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka gave March 20 as the date for all migrants arriving in Greece from Turkey to be sent back.

“Deal with Turkey approved. All illegal migrants who reach Greece from Turkey as of March 20 will be returned!” Sobotka wrote on Twitter.