The reverse of the cross-border flow has occurred thirty years later. However, it is on a smaller scale. People from the Middle East, Africa, and the Middle East now flit through the oak woods, crossing from Greece to Albania halfway along their long journey to Europe’s heartland.
This relatively flat section of the rugged border has been the main route out of the country for migrants and refugees since 2018, when they decided to try their luck in a country richer than Greece.
The Associated Press was told by Michalis Trasias (69), that he grazes his sheep along the Greek border and sees many groups crossing into Albania each day.
He said, “Very many refugees crossed — in their hundreds.” “The frontier is just 100 meters (yards away) from here. The Albanians send back those they catch. It is only those who manage it that know where it will go.
If a refugee or migrant doesn’t want to leave Greece, there are several legal options. You can either stowaway on a ferry or purchase a berth for a smuggling vessel, or you can walk through Bulgaria, North Macedonia, or Albania.
With Bulgaria becoming too dangerous and North Macedonia more well protected, many are choosing to go to Albania. However, its patrols are bolstered by border officers from the European Union’s Frontex agency. According to police data, Albania saw an increase in illegal entry arrests this year while North Macedonia, where 10,000 people had waited five years ago to get in, reports a decrease.
Ardian Bita, spokesperson for the Albanian interior ministry, said that his country was “doing everything possible to fight organized crime” groups that traffic migrants and has already arrested “a substantial number” of smugglers.
The main base for crossings is an abandoned military guard house, filthy, and in disrepair. It’s located a few hundred metres from the border. The nearest Greek village, Ieropigi, is a half hour’s walk away. The border is 220 kilometers (140 mi) west of Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest city. A pumping station provides water, and some can also get electricity to charge their smartphones.
During a visit to the area by the AP about 50 people waited in line, ready to cross the border either on their own or with the help of smugglers. There are several hundred people living in the area, but most of them are regularly rounded up by police from Greece. Few stay long.
Shaikh Musa Abdallah, a Sudanese national, is one of those who have stayed at the former guardhouse for 50 consecutive days with his wife and five children between 5-15 years old.
He told the AP that he had tried six times to cross into Albania. He was hoping to travel to Serbia. Frontex stopped me. It is easy for others to cross it, but it is difficult for families.
Abdallah stated that he has lived in Greece for three years and now wants to give up on his plans to leave.
Mohammad Nour Mahmood Al Damad, a Syrian national, has been also turned back six times in seven days. He is still traveling with his family and determined to continue, even though he was denied asylum in Greece.
He said that he wanted to leave and to travel to another country, while baking potatoes under the shade of trees with a Syrian friend. “I don’t want to go Europe, only Albania or Kosovo. I want a happy life.
Husam Hderi (30) wants the same, but proposes to look for it further overseas.
The Palestinian from Syria stated that she wanted to travel to Albania, Kosovo and Bosnia in order to reach Italy. “I have two Syrian children and a family. When I get there, I will bring them with me so we can all live together.
Hderi arrived in Greece one month ago. He crossed the border from Turkey to reach Greece and was then driven by people smugglers towards Thessaloniki. Hderi stated that he had paid 2,200 euros ($2,570), to smugglers to get to Ieropigi. He is now determined to go north.
He said that Frontex was a major problem. “For over a month, I have been trying to get into (Albania), but they keep sending me back.”
