'Sweet jail' : the Indian community in Greece

Abstract

Seen within the context of the rising Asian migration to Europe, the Indian community in Greece dates back to the early seventies. Contrary to most other migrant communities however, it is not concentrated in the capital Athens, but is mostly dispersed in various areas around Greece. Although the current crisis has slightly decreased its population, this predominantly male community finds employment in agriculture and manufacturing. The vast majority are Sikhs mainly from Punjab, who maintain tight links with each other through their various associations and gurudwaras, while at the same time they are in close contact with their homeland as well as with their diaspora networks worldwide.