Another quota refugee family has been away from Estonia for more than 90 days

TALLINN - Another family who have arrived in Estonia under the European Union's migrant distribution plan has been away from Estonia for at least 90 days.

As at the end of last week, a five-member family of so-called quota refugees has been away for Estonia for more than 90 days. The family arrived in Estonia in April from Greece and they were sent to live in the central Estonian town of Viljandi, a press officer for the Ministry of Social Affairs told BNS.

At present 54 quota refugees have been away from Estonia for at least 90 days. In addition, six quota refugee families comprised of 25 members are not in Estonia, but have not been away from the country for 90 days or more. Therefore, 79 quota refugees of the total of 161 who have been relocated to Estonia are not in Estonia at the moment.

In addition, an Iraqi family of five has returned to their country of origin voluntarily under the VARRE program of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

All the refugees who have arrived in Estonia have the right to travel within the Schengen area during no more than 90 days in any 180-day period.

Estonia has pledged to accept 550 asylum seekers from Italy and Greece under the EU migrant relocation and resettlement plan over two years.