Greece toughens its Asylum granting polices for asylum seekers from specific countries As it now officially recognizes Turkey as a “safe third country,” applications by asylum seekers from those specific countries will be immediately rejected.
According to a joint ministerial decision (KYA) published on Wednesday, Turkey is included in the list of “safe third countries” for specific categories of asylum applicants in Greece.
The KYA was signed by Migration & Asylum Minister Makis Voridis and Foreign Affairs Minister George Gerapetritis, and relates to Greece’s National List of Safe Third Countries.
The ministerial decision specifically refers to asylum applicants who originate from Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Somalia.
At the same time, the decision will allow the immediate rejection of asylum applicants who are nationals of the above-named countries and have entered Greece illegally from Turkey, allowing as well their return.
A Migration Ministry statement noted that “the basic priority is the return of all those living in Greece illegally.”
Issuing the KYA decision was necessary due to the annulment of an earlier related decision by the Council of State, media reported.
The overwhelming majority of asylum seekers arrive in Greece coming from Turkey.
Last month, it became clear that Greece would toughen its migration policies as the Prime Minister appointed Makis Voridis, a hardliner, as Migration and Asylum Minister, and who immediately proceeded in making changes once he assumed his post.