Greek Government Proposes Revoking Refugee Status for Those Returning Home
On October 30, the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum announced a new policy targeting statutory refugees who travel back to their home countries. Under this policy, refugees who return to the country where they initially claimed persecution risk losing their international protection.
According to Migration Minister Thanos Plevris, any refugee who returns to their home country will no longer be regarded as endangered there. Consequently, Greek authorities have the power to suspend or revoke their refugee status.
"When the refugee refuses to give proper explanations about their behavior, authorities could proceed to the removal of their protection status."
The policy mandates that if there is information about a refugee’s return or intention to return, the Agency will immediately initiate an administrative investigation. This may include monitoring movements, conducting interviews, and cross-checking information with relevant authorities. Should new evidence arise, the Agency will promptly begin withdrawing the refugee’s status.
"Authorities are warned that in case of information about a return or intent of return in the home country, the Agency will proceed to an immediate administrative investigation... and, in case of newfound elements the Agency will immediately start the process of withdrawing the granted status."
An official from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Greece commented that this decision appears to further penalize refugees. Although some refugees do visit family members in their home countries, these visits generally occur in areas free from conflict.
"This decision aims to penalize [foreigners] even more. Some statutory refugees, it is true, visit their family in their country, but this is generally in zones free from fighting."
Author’s summary: Greece’s new policy threatens to revoke refugee status from those returning to their home countries, signaling stricter scrutiny and potential penalties for refugees traveling back.