The old town on Rhodes is at risk of transforming into a migrant slum as authorities act too slowly to transfer influxes of migrants to the Greek mainland.
The picturesque Greek island of Rhodes is increasingly marred by the presence of illegal immigrants, sparking frustration among local residents who feel neglected by government inaction.
With an excess of more than 700 undocumented migrants above the asylum accommodation capacity limit reportedly settled in the city, many are now living in makeshift camps on sidewalks, in parks, and in cardboard boxes, creating an eyesore in the center of the island’s Old Town.
Manolis Androulakis, president of the South Dodecanese Police Officers Union, expressed the growing despair among law enforcement, stating, “The situation is at a breaking point. The police services are in danger of being disbanded. For an escort from Rhodes to other areas of the country, it takes us even 20 days!”