The evolving dynamics of immigration policies across Europe have sparked considerable concern and debate, particularly regarding the treatment of refugees from conflict-stricken nations. In Greece, the government’s recent moves to reconsider asylum cases, especially for individuals from Muslim-majority countries, have raised important questions about the underlying motivations and humanitarian implications of such policies. This situation reflects broader EU challenges in addressing migration while balancing national security concerns and obligations to protect vulnerable populations.
Athens, Greece – Bashir, a Syrian Muslim, has called Greece home since 2014. Married to a fellow Syrian, the couple welcomed their son three months ago, marking a new chapter in their lives. After years spent harvesting olives and oranges, mastering the Greek language, and establishing himself as a metalwork trader, Bashir felt a sense of stability and hope for the future. However, this perception was abruptly shaken when authorities requested a reassessment of his asylum status, asking him to justify his continued residence in Greece and reasons for not returning to Syria.
Bashir, who prefers to keep his surname confidential, was granted asylum in 2015 amid Syria’s devastating civil war. With the conflict officially declared over in December 2024, his case, along with 1,200 others, was reopened in February. “It’s catastrophic,” he expressed. “If they decide I should leave, should my family stay here?”
His attorney, Angeliki Theodoropoulou, indicated that the trend of sending notices to only male applicants is troubling, not limited to Syrians but also including Afghans, as international perceptions shift following the Taliban’s seizure of power in 2021. “Neither Syria nor Afghanistan is safe for return,” she emphasized, attributing the tightened asylum regime to the European Union’s changing stance and increasing rates of voluntary returns.
Bashir questioned the criteria that led authorities to declare Syria safe, particularly in light of ongoing conflicts, including renewed clashes between the Syrian government and Kurdish factions, alongside Israel’s sporadic actions.
Another refugee, Jihad, who requested anonymity, has lived legally in Greece since 2001. He runs a small clothing shop but harbors concerns about returning to Syria due to his political affiliations, fearing persecution if his past activities are scrutinized. “Even looking at my Facebook could result in imprisonment,” he said. Both Bashir and Jihad are model citizens, contributing to society and fearing a return to Syria over personal safety and family stability.
Greece’s migration policies have shifted towards exclusion, as indicated by Migration Minister Thanos Plevris, who announced the opportunity to revoke previous asylum statuses. In 2022 alone, Greece rescinded the protections of nearly 200 individuals, a stark contrast to the 400 threatened during the past decade. The recent approach raises questions of fairness, particularly given the prevalence of asylum claims from individuals from Muslim-majority backgrounds. Plevris has suggested a preference for non-Muslim migrant labor, citing differences in shared values primarily associated with religion.
Moreover, Greece is implementing stringent policies, including a new law penalizing aid organizations that support asylum seekers. As part of this crackdown, the government can imprison those who resist deportation.
On the broader stage, Europe is on the cusp of major transitions with the imminent enforcement of the Asylum and Migration Pact, which mandates heightened border control and streamlined processes for rejected asylum claims. Observers, including Kristin Fabbe from the European University Institute, highlight the pressing need for an effective return strategy as critical for reforming migration policies across the EU.
Greece, facing a significant migrant population of approximately 938,000 in a nation of 10.3 million, embodies the challenges of absorbing asylum seekers while maintaining social cohesion. As regional instability continues to drive a steady stream of refugees, the prospect of new inflows complicates the country’s already strained resources, contributing to its rigid stance on migration.
The complex interplay of national security and humanitarian responsibility remains at the forefront as Europe grapples with its migration policies, with Greece emerging as a pivotal player in this ongoing crisis.
#PoliticsNews #MiddleEastNews