Immigration bill clears committee

The bill received support from New Democracy and PASOK deputies, while SYRIZA mps reserved comments on the new bill for the plenary session, while Democratic Left mps and an independent deputy supported the bill in principle. Independent Greeks, Golden Dawn, and the Greek Communist Party member voted against the bill.

Deputy interior minister Leonidas Grigorakos promised to accept any new proposals on improvements to the bill, until it comes before the plenary session. Mr Grigorakos also mentioned that the new bill on citizenship has already been  drawn up and will soon be submitted to parliament. The bill will provide solutions, he said, for thousands of immigrants – particularly children.

“More than 100,000 children born in Greece to immigrant parents have applied for Greek citizenship” Grigorakos told parliament, adding, “This is a very large number. We comprehend the problems but we have to first deal with the current issue concerning the immigration code. Then, we will hold extensive discussions on the citizenship bill, which will be brought to parliament in a couple of days.”

“We are ready, and it has to be made clear, that children who grew up and live in Greece should not be blackmailed over the issue of citizenship.” Responding to opposition demands to find an immediate solution to the issue the deputy minister added “they should be able to obtain citizenship when they wish it, through a legal process.”