The Greek port of Patras is home to around 3,000 illegal immigrants. Most are Afghans, although there are also significant numbers of Iranians and Uzbeks. From here they try to find passage to other European destinations by hiding in ships, containers and trucks parked in the port. The lucky ones will not stay for long. Some, though, have been living in Patras for months and a few for several years.
Many live in shacks made from cartons, plastic and wood found on the beach. Others shelter from the cold by squatting in abandoned buildings without water or electricity. The living conditions are inhumane and unhygienic.
Recent arrivals have been staying outside the city centre to avoid police checks. Any illusions they may have had about gaining asylum in Greece are quickly dashed. The authorities routinely fail to recognise the immigrants as asylum seekers and regularly round up groups for deportation to Turkey.
Some manage to reach Italy by hiding inside trucks, or by tying themselves with straps under the lorries and trailers. The journey is treacherous, and scores die during the trip, either suffocating inside trailers or being crushed by trucks. The majority told Alfredo D’Amato that they wanted to get to Sweden or Norway, with Italy their next preferred destination.
