2nd LD: First batch of deported migrants arrive in western Turkey

The first ferry taking migrants deported from the Greek island of Lesbos docked here on Monday morning.

The migrants, reported to be Pakistanis mostly, will first go through the camps set up on the dock for health check and registration.

Under a deal finalized last month with the European Union, Ankara agrees to take back those who have crossed illegally into Greece via Turkey from March 20 and are deemed ineligible for asylum.

Turkish Interior Minister Efkan Ala told reporters on Sunday that the Greek authorities had submitted the names of 400 migrants to be returned on Monday.

He also said that upon the completion of the registration process in Dikili, the migrants will be relocated to temporary refugee centers established in several locations in the country.

The minister noted that the migrants will not be settled along the western coast. Endit