Migrant crisis: Concern rises as EU-Turkey deal looms

There is growing concern over a lack of preparation for the plan to send migrants back from Greece to Turkey, two days before it goes into eff

ect.

A BBC correspondent who has been to one of the registration sites in Turkey says there are few signs it is ready.

The UN and rights groups have expressed fears about migrant welfare and whether some may be forced back into Syria.

The EU-Turkey deal is aimed at easing the uncontrolled mass movement of people into Europe.

Under the deal, migrants arriving illegally in Greece are expected to be sent back to Turkey from 4 April if they do not apply for asylum or if their claim is rejected.

An EU official said it was hoped that several hundred would be returned on Monday.

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For each Syrian returned, a Syrian migrant in Turkey will be resettled in the EU, with priority given to those who have not tried to enter the EU illegally.

Germany said on Friday it would take the first migrants.

Interior ministry spokesman Tobias Plate said that most would be families with children, with the numbers in the "double-digit range".

Last year, more than one million migrants and refugees arrived in the EU by boat from Turkey to Greece.

Tens of thousands have been stranded in Greece after northern countries closed their borders.