Ministry issuing travel papers for refugees

The Migration Ministry has opened an office offering travel documents to refugees to help them go to other European Union countries, Migration Minister Notis Mitarakis said on Tuesday, following the departure of hundreds of migrants from state facilities, many of whom have been camping out in city squares.

"We issue about 200 to 250 travel documents a day," Mitarakis told Mega television channel, adding that recognized refugees have the right to travel to other EU member-states. However, although the refugees have the right to stay in another EU country for up to three months, they only have a legal right to work in Greece.

The ministry's plan foresees the departure of at least 11,000 refugees from state reception facilities and subsidized hotels by the end of the year. Although the scheme has been condemned by rights groups, the government insists that it has done...