As winter bites, UNHCR helps the Greek government move thousands of vulnerable asylum-seekers from Moria and other Reception and Identification Centres (RICs) on the Greek Aegean Islands to better shelter in the mainland identified by the state authorities. More than 11,000 people have moved since early September 2018 from the islands to reception sites, hotels, and apartments on the mainland. UNHCR, with funding from the European Commission, assists in the transfers by bussing people to and from sea ports and organizing ferry tickets.
Lesvos and Samos have been given priority for the decongestion operation over other islands as the RICs of Moria and Vathy are in desperate straits. More than half of all transfers have taken place from Moria. In December 2018 alone, over 1,700 asylum-seekers have been transferred from Lesvos with UNHCR’s support, after they were authorized to move by the Greek government.
As of 2019 these activities will be handed over to the Greek authorities following advice and support provided by UNHCR.
