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Greek authorities are planning to deport 1,600 Pakistanis in a crackdown on suspected illegal immigrants, and a batch of 88 Pakistanis have already been sent back last week. According to the Daily Times, about 6,000 people, mostly of Asian or African origin, were detained in Athens over the weekend in Operation Zeus Xenios. Most were released, but about 1,600 were sent to holding centres before deportation. Pakistan 's Ambassador to Greece , Irfan Raja, said Greek authorities did not inform them about the operation. "We don't know the exact figure. The Greek authorities will inform us in a couple of days, as they will need emergency passports for those being deported. We will first confirm their identities and then will issue the documents," said Raja. It is pertinent to mention that during the current democratic government's third year in office, the European Commission Readmission Agreement (ECRA) was signed between Pakistan and the EU, with the coming into force of the Lisbon Treaty. The agreement obliges Pakistan to readmit its nationals where they do not fulfil, or no longer fulfil the conditions in force for entry to or residence in the territory of the other party. The agreement lists the documents that may be used as means of evidence of a person's nationality. If none of the documents listed can be furnished, the competent authority of the member state wishing to expel the person concerned and Pakistan 's diplomatic or consular representation will interview the person in order to establish their nationality. Greek Public Order Minister Nikos Dendias said unchecked entry of illegal immigrants was bringing Greece to the verge of collapse.

Greece to deport 1,600 Pakistani illegal immigrants