Plevris: Re-evaluation of Asylum for Syrians Due to Changed Conditions

The Minister of Migration and Asylum, Thanos Plevris, stated from Luxembourg that Greece is considering re-evaluating asylum applications for Syrians due to significant changes in the conditions in Syria.

According to Mr. Plevris, the risks in Syria no longer primarily concern Muslims, but Christians. Therefore, those who received asylum in the past for security reasons may no longer be at the same risk.

The minister also referred to Greece's policy on returns, emphasizing that it is a top priority. He highlighted the support for both voluntary and forced returns, as well as the strengthening of joint return procedures through FRONTEX and IOM.

Regarding the developing Return Regulation, Mr. Plevris noted that Greece has incorporated relevant provisions into its national law, with the doctrine "prison or return". Illegal residence has been criminalized, with a prison sentence of 2 to 5 years, and positive results are already being recorded.

Additionally, he referred to the three-month suspension of asylum applications for illegal immigrants from North Africa, which has ended, stressing that it yielded significant results in reducing flows.