Managing the migration crisis in Greece: People evaluation of policy

Abstract

We measure citizens’ evaluations of state efficacy in managing the migration crisis as constrained by the burden of the phenomenon, societal tolerance and institutional control. We focus on a frontline migration country and measure citizens’ satisfaction with policy control of the migration crisis using a 2020 sample of 1014 Greek respondents. Results of a two-stage Likert Scale-DEA model validate our propositions. Migration is experienced at the regional level and it is structured by natives’ perceptions of burden, tolerance, administrative efficacy and individuals’ experiences with immigrants. Higher policy satisfaction levels are observed for young male respondents and those living in high quality environment. Important policy implications derive from the evidenced association between migration policies and peoples’ evaluations of political efficacy.