A new "closed controlled structure" with a capacity of 3,000 people was inaugurated on the Greek island of Samos today.

It replaces the current center for reception and identification of migrants in the Vati area of ​​the island, Greek state television ERT reported, quoted by BTA.

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The new center in the Zervu area will be the first of its kind on a European scale.

At the opening, Greek Minister of Migration and Asylum Notis Mitarakis said: "Today, Samos is regaining its composure and leaving behind the shameful scenes in Vati."

The overcrowded camp in Vati was a field of sharp opposition from the accommodated migrants and the Greek authorities, causing much criticism from international human rights organizations and dissatisfaction among locals.

"On September 30, the shameful reception and identification center will be closed for good," Mitarakis said.

He also recalled that in 2021 the flow of migrants to Samos fell by 91 percent, and this year only 117 migrants crossed from Turkey to the island.

The new camp will house 240 unaccompanied children, 240 members of vulnerable groups, 960 people in the deportation center and another 1,560 other migrants.

The center will have sports and children's playgrounds, playgrounds, shared laundries and kitchens.

However, the new structure has also been criticized.

According to the ANA-MPA, according to the international organization Doctors Without Borders, this is a "prison center" that will contribute to the "isolation and further trauma" of asylum seekers.

"How scandalous is the fact that while we are watching what is happening in countries like Afghanistan, the EU and Greece are busy opening a new prison for asylum seekers, refugees and migrants on the island of Samos," said the head of the Doctors Without Borders mission. on the island of George Karajanis.

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