The Netherlands is sending 14 military police officers and two police officers from the Port of Rotterdam to Greece to help prevent illegal immigrants entering the country.

The Dutch defence minister, Hans Hillen, announced on Tuesday afternoon that the 16 border police will leave for Greece this week. They will take part in European Union intevention teams.

The intervention teams will patrol the Greek border with Greek border police in Alexandroupolis and Orestiada.

The EU-agency Frontex, which coordinates the monitoring of the outer borders of the European Union, is sending 175 experts. The 16 Dutch police officers will be replaced by other Dutch police officers on 1 December.

Greece asked Frontex for help last week because Athens is unable to prevent illegal immigrants entering the country.

© Radio Netherlands Worldwide