Irregular Migration, Xenophobia and the Economic Crisis in Greece

In the context of human security, the chapter explores irregular migration into Greece investigating current trends and routes, and analysing the ‘push’ and ‘pull’ factors underpinning the rise in immigration. The 2008 economic crisis influenced the response to large-scale irregular migration of a Greek polity and society already under stress. With the informal sector no longer providing su cient employment, irregular migrants face increased stigmatisation leading to a rise in societal risk, including violent attacks against migrants, and exclusion. There has also been a lasting change to the fabric of Greek society, notably the xenophobic trajectory of political discourse including the rise of the extreme right.