Shelters told to evict refugees
A verbal directive from the Ministry of Migration and Asylum instructs administrators of asylum reception facilities to evict recognized refugees and individuals whose asylum applications have been rejected by May 14, prompting alarm among affected populations.
In several shelters, refugees and rejected applicants constitute up to 50% of residents. Many include families who have lived there for years, as well as single mothers with children enrolled in local schools.
These residents now face sudden homelessness, without immediate alternatives.
The eviction order coincides with broader efforts to reduce the number of migrants residing in Europe who lack recognized refugee status.
Ministry sources confirmed that the return of Egyptian nationals was discussed during the recent visit of Egypt’s president to Athens.
According to current European Union law, only asylum seekers – not recognized refugees or rejected applicants – are entitled to housing, food, and medical care through EU funds.
However, vulnerable refugees have remained in shelters for years due to the limited and inconsistent availability of integration programs.
As of March 4, 27,100 individuals were housed in shelters nationwide, below the system’s capacity of 35,103.
The Migration Ministry also reported a 27% decline in arrivals in early 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
In 2024, Greece received 73,684 asylum applications, granting refugee status to 39,823 individuals.
During the first quarter of 2025, 15,394 applications were filed, with 51.8% approved.
Observers warn that without a coordinated support plan, the sudden displacement could result in families ending up homeless, raising concerns about social cohesion and public health.
AA
