The Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum has issued a verbal directive to administrators of asylum reception facilities, mandating the eviction of recognized refugees and individuals with rejected asylum applications by May 14, 2025. This order has sparked significant concern among affected groups.
In many shelters, up to 50% of residents are recognized refugees or rejected applicants, including families and single mothers with children enrolled in local schools, who have resided there for years. These individuals now face immediate homelessness with no clear alternatives.
The directive aligns with broader European efforts to reduce the presence of migrants without recognized refugee status. Discussions on repatriating Egyptian nationals were reportedly held during the recent visit of Egypt’s president to Athens.
Under current EU law, only active asylum seekers are entitled to EU-funded housing, food, and medical care, leaving recognized refugees and rejected applicants ineligible. However, many vulnerable refugees have remained in shelters due to limited and inconsistent integration programs.
As of March 4, 2025, Greece’s shelters housed 27,100 individuals, below the total capacity of 35,103. The Ministry reported a 27% decrease in migrant arrivals in early 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. In 2024, Greece processed 73,684 asylum applications, granting refugee status to 39,823 individuals. In the first quarter of 2025, 15,394 applications were filed, with a 51.8% approval rate.
Critics warn that without a robust support plan, these evictions could lead to widespread homelessness, threatening social cohesion and public health.