Asylum Seekers Find Detours Around Greece

THESSALONIKI/ISTANBUL - Dire economic conditions, increased security measures, inflated trafficking fees, and the fear of xenophobic violence are putting off potential migrants and asylum seekers to Greece. For those traveling by land from the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa, Bulgaria now appears to be the favored first foot-hold on greater journeys to wealthier western European countries. The Bulgarian Interior Ministry, UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the European border agency FRONTEX have recorded increased numbers of migrants and asylum seekers into Bulgaria. Mohammed Ibrahimi, 35, hopes to be one of them. A Palestinian refugee from Jenin in the West Bank, Ibrahimi navigated his way through war-torn Syria travelling 'from one mosque to another and not talking about politics or showing any opinion.' He is now seeking funds in Istanbul to travel on to Bulgaria. 'When we have nothing to lose, we take a lot of risks,' he said.

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.thenationalherald.com