Naturalization
Low turnout looms
The country's first-ever round of the Greek language and history examinations for immigrants hoping to secure the new coveted European Union-wide longterm resident status will be marred by exceptionally low turnout in Greece. While organisers at the education ministry's Institute for Lifelong Education (IDEKE) say they expect more than 1,000 non-European Union immigrants to sit the examinations, an informal survey conducted by the Athens News on May 26 - four days before the application deadline - suggests that no more than 500 will sign up for this new status, a form of permanent residence that is recognised throughout the 27-member EU bloc.
(30.05.08) ATHENS NEWS (by Kathy Tzilivakis)
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