Impact of Irregular Migration on Health Status in Greece: A Report from Athens.

Abstract

Keywords: irregular, migration, health, social determinants, rights Irregular migration has been the focus in Greece in the period of economic crisis and measures taken to address the migration issue include the introduction of 'closed host centres' in Greece. This study examines the impact of irregular migration in the health status in Athens, the capital of Greece in the period of the financial crisis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with organisations and units based in Athens providing medical, psychosocial and/or legal aid to vulnerable groups including irregular migrants during the period May-June 2013. The study explored the contributing factors to the health of irregular migrants and the impact of the introduction of 'closed host centres' to their health in spring of 2012.Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Access to healthcare (rights and obstacles) and environmental conditions (nutrition, housing, employment and public attitudes) were the broader themes identified as contributing factors to the health status of irregular migrants. The 'closed host centres' were found to increase the number of detainees and the health risks of irregular migrants'. It is suggested that human rights strategies need to inform policies and actions in order to address irregular migrants' health determinants.