A total of 49,800 third-country nationals entered Greece illegally from the beginning of the year until last July, according to official data presented by Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis during his response in parliament during question time.

The protection and safety of Greek citizens is an obligation of this government, Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrisochoidis said on Monday, at a press conference during a weekend that saw several fires break out.