IOM Greece plays a central role in migration governance and refugee assistance. This episode explores the International Organization for Migration's operations, voluntary return programmes, and coordination with Greek authorities.Get the enhanced episode transcript here 👉🏻 https://www.emmanuel-comte.eu/product/enhanced-transcript-25/.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IeYQ_OZucn8In this episode, Emmanuel Comte interviews Daniel Esdras—former IOM Chief in Greece and interim Migration Minister—on the dramatic shifts in migration policy, crisis management, and human smuggling. Drawing on over three decades of frontline experience, Esdras discusses the Albanian labor influx, the 2015 refugee crisis, Greece’s economic dependencies on undocumented labor, and the moral complexities of human trafficking. This episode delivers rare insights into EU-Turkey migration policy, IOM operations, and the systemic gaps in global migration governance. Essential listening for anyone exploring European border politics, humanitarian crises, or migration reform.This interview was arranged by Xenia Saratsioti and edited by Andriana Lagoudes. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Grant Agreement No 101034403.00:00 Introduction02:34 Joining IOM: Personal Motivations and Early Career09:59 Migration Transitions in Southeastern Europe12:16 From Transit to Destination: Greece After 200013:48 The 2015–2016 Migration Crisis19:28 The EU-Turkey Statement and Policy Shifts21:06 IOM’s Role in Migration Management, Voluntary Return, and Reintegration Programs24:58 Combating Human Trafficking30:44 Undocumented Labor and Policy Proposals37:58 Legal Pathways and Employer Incentives40:48 Ministerial Experience During the 2023 Interim Government44:20 The Pylos Shipwreck and Criminal Smuggling46:44 Global Migration Patterns50:17 Final Reflections on Migration Governance