Greece: Asylum procedure statistics 2023

Athens: In 2023 the asylum process in Greece was marked by significant activity, with a high number of asylum applications and an even higher recognition rate, highlighting the clear need for international protection for asylum seekers.

This report looks at the monthly statistics published by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, alongside figures provided in response to parliamentary questions. It is published by Refugee Support Aegean (RSA) and gives an overview of key figures and trends within the Greek asylum system, focusing on initial and subsequent applications, procedural outcomes, and judicial reviews.

Greece received a substantial influx of asylum seekers in 2023, with many initial and subsequent applications, particularly on the islands. A notable portion of subsequent applications included those following inadmissible initial claims:

57 783 initial applications were filed, primarily on the islands.

6 326 subsequent applications were lodged, including 994 following inadmissible initial claims. Among these, 852 applications were subject to a €100 fee.

The first-instance procedure had a high recognition rate, mostly granting refugee status. Many applications were rejected as unfounded or inadmissible, particularly those involving Türkiye as a safe third country. Key figures here include:

76.6% application recognition rate, mostly granting refugee status.

98% recognition rate in border procedures.

5 164 applications were rejected as “manifestly unfounded,” largely based on “safe country of origin” grounds.

3 444 inadmissibility decisions were made on “safe third country” grounds, predominantly regarding Türkiye.

29 885 cases remained pending at the first instance, with 14 142 of these awaiting interviews.

Appeals for a second-instance procedure were numerous, with many receiving free legal assistance. Despite some procedural dismissals, the recognition rate at the second instance slightly increased, with more subsidiary protection granted:

10 973 appeals were lodged, with 6 892 receiving free legal assistance.

1 610 appeals were dismissed due to non-appearance, and 1 523 due to late submission.

14.8% recognition rate at second instance, with a notable increase in subsidiary protection.

Judicial reviews showed a moderate approval rate (22.6% – an improvement on previous years), with many applications pending. The review process faces delays pending key legal judgments, with 1 589 judicial review applications pending at the time of publication.

Greece saw a significant number of new arrivals via the Aegean islands and the Evros land border, with the Reception and Identification Service registering many people in reception procedures:

40 365 arrivals (7 079 via the Evros land border; 39 016 via the Aegean islands; 2 370 via other entry points).

The Reception and Identification Service (RIS) registered 55 785 people in reception procedures.

The majority of initial asylum applications were filed in Closed Controlled Access Centres on the Eastern Aegean islands and mainland Reception and Identification Centres. Asylum seekers were mostly Syrian, Afghan, and Somali. A significant percentage of applications were dismissed as inadmissible, mainly due to subsequent applications without new elements and on the basis of the safe third country concept, particularly regarding Türkiye.

Border procedures were widely applied, often exceeding their intended scope. Many decisions that should have been processed under regular procedures were handled through border procedures:

7 662 decisions were made in border procedures, with a 98% recognition rate.

6 349 in-merit decisions in border procedures should have been processed under regular procedures.

The Appeals Committee’s decisions highlighted trends in dismissals and inadmissibility, focusing on subsequent applications and the safe third country concept. A large number of first and second-instance applications, along with judicial review cases, remained pending at the time of publication, indicating ongoing systemic challenges:

29 885 pending first-instance applications, with 14 142 awaiting interviews.

2 845 pending second-instance applications.

Systematic postponements in judicial reviews, with significant cases pending before the Greek Council of State and the CJEU.

Recognition rates remained high for major countries of origin, with almost universal acceptance for applicants from countries such as Palestine, Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Iraq, and Somalia.

Over 99% for Palestine and Afghanistan.

Over 98% for Syria and Yemen.

Over 95% for Sudan and Iraq, and nearly 90% for Somalia.

Several critical legal issues, including the application of the safe third country concept and procedural rules, await resolution.

The figures from 2023 highlight the emerging need for international protection among asylum seekers in Greece. With high recognition rates and significant procedural challenges, the Greek asylum system faces both opportunities and challenges in addressing the needs of those seeking international protection.