BERLIN, Sept. 8 (UPI) — Germany will be able to receive at least 500,000 asylum-seekers each year for several years, the country’s vice chancellor said, as cash-strapped Greece is appealing for funding to handle the migrant crisis.
In 2015, Germany will expect more than 800,000 asylum-seekers — four times the amount last year — and, according to Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel, the country will be able to cope with at least 500,000 a year for several years.
Gabriel also urged other European countries to receive their fair share of migrants, BBC News reported. The European Union rule on refugees, known as the Dublin Regulation, says asylum seekers must register in the first EU member country in which they arrived. Germany recently said it would suspend the rule for Syrian migrants who travel to the country.
Meanwhile, Greece on Monday asked the European Commission for $2.79 million in immediate emergency funding to assist with the migrant crisis.
Greek authorities also reportedly appealed for another $10.68 million to improve the country’s infrastructure, considered inadequate for the accommodation and identification of the thousands of refugees seeking asylum and the thousands of migrants waiting to be registered before they travel elsewhere.
In the Greek island of Lesvos there were up to 20,000 migrants waiting for the documentation they need to continue with their journeys. Greek Caretaker Minister for Migration Policy Yiannis Mouzalas said the island is “on the verge of an explosion” as tensions run high due to Afghan migrants accusing Syrian migrants of receiving preferential treatment by authorities.
Britain announced Monday it will accept up to 20,000 Syrian refugees by 2020 on the same day Germany said it plans to spend $6.7 billion to deal with an influx of thousands of migrants from the Middle East and North Africa.
The majority of migrants traveling toward Europe are fleeing from Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq and Eritrea.