Tighter border checks leave migrants trapped in Greece

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Now, only Syrians, Afghans and Iraqis are deemed refugees and let through, with all others -- about 12,000 of the 103,000 who entered Greece in December -- rejected as economic migrants.

This seems absurd to Saleh Al Riyashy, 45, a former policeman from Yemen -- whose civil war has been compounded by 10 months of airstrikes by a Saudi-led coalition.

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Daniel Esdras, IOM office head in Greece, sees a steep increase in voluntary repatriations, which the IOM organizes. About 800 people registered in December and 260 have been sent home.

"It's one thing to return in handcuffs ... and quite another to go as a normal passenger with some money in your pocket, because we give them each 400 euros ($435)," Esdras said.