Smugglers trying to carry refugees across the Aegean into Greece from Turkey are increasingly targeting the island as it currently lacks a pre-departure camp for refugees. No new camps were constructed because local residents protested the creation of any new facilities for migrants in the area. However, that is all set to change following an announcement made by Greek Police Lieutenant General Zacharoula Tsirigoti, who said the creation of such a centre is now a "one-way street."

Positive experience with such centers in Lesbos and Kos

"The experience of Lesbos and Kos, where such centers have been created, is positive despite the residents' reservations. "We are currently returning migrants to Turkey and the islands are virtually empty [of refugees]," Tsirigoti said. She added: "We sent 258 people back to Turkey from Kos alone last month and wherever we have applied the law sending those back to Turkey in cases where their asylum has been rejected, more are more are returning voluntarily. This way, we send multiple messages in every direction, that there are laws and rules that must be respected."

Pre-departure centers are essential since they house refugees considered ineligible for asylum before deporting them back to Turkey, which signed a deal with the European Union last year.

Breaking point

The new camp is being built at a time when tensions at overcrowded reception centers on Chios continue to simmer, with clashes between stranded migrants of different ethnicities breaking out almost every day. Last week, police detained 12 people after six migrants reportedly sustained minor injuries in violent clashes at the VI.AL and Souda facilities. Afghan, Syrian and Algerian men were reportedly involved in the fights.

The exact site for the creation of a new so-called pre-departure camp for refugees on the island of Chios will be determined by May 20, authorities said.

Warmer temperatures and calmer waters have resulted in increased migrant crossings from Turkey to Greece, with 167 new arrivals recorded over the past weekend. A combination of the Greek coast guard and Frontex vessels rescued the latest groups of refugees from vessels off the coasts of Lesvos, Chios and Samos. Greek authorities are concerned that despite the EU-Turkey deal, which accounts for the sending of undocumented migrants straight back to Turkey, the flow of people trying to enter Greece will increase even more in the summer period.

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