Greece is bound by the recast Qualification Directive (Standards Qualification Regulation) and has transposed its provisions through the Law 4939/2022 on Ratification of Code of Legislation on the reception, international protection of third country citizens and stateless persons and temporary protection in the event of a mass influx of displaced persons (OGG A’ 111/10.06.2022).

Legal provisions relating to review, renewal and withdrawal of refugee status: 

• Renewal: Art. 23 L. 4939/2022 & Art. 24 Law 4636/2019, subject to transitional provisions of Art. 147 par. 1 Law 4939/2022 
• Revocation: Art. 13, Law 4939/2022 
• Cessation: Art. 10, Law 4939/2022 
• Exclusion: Art. 11, Law 4939/2022

Length of the first and subsequent residence permits: 3-year residence permit (renewed for 3 years)

Review of the status: 

Review of refugee status may take place where new elements arise which constitute grounds for re-examining the status, in accordance with Article 96(1) of Law 4939/2022. Such review may concern substantive grounds such as cessation under Article 10 of Law 4939/2022 or exclusion under Article 11 of Law 4939/2022 and may lead, where the legal conditions are met, to revocation or refusal to renew refugee status under Article 13 of Law 4939/2022. 

While the Asylum Service is the competent authority in general terms, Article 1, point (ιθ), of Law 4939/2022 provides that, for the purposes of the procedure under Article 96, the competent Determining Authority is the Directorate of Returns and Revocations of the Asylum Service. (This should be distinguished from the operational initiation of the procedure, which may involve the Head of the competent Regional Asylum Office or the Governor of the Asylum Service, depending on the case.) 

There is no systematic or periodic automatic review of refugee status under Greek law. Pursuant to Article 96(1) of Law 4939/2022, review may be initiated where new information or evidence arises which constitutes grounds for re-examining refugee status and for assessing whether withdrawal/revocation may be justified. 

Such grounds may include cessation grounds under Article 10 of Law 4939/2022, exclusion grounds under Article 11 of Law 4939/2022, misrepresentation or omission of decisive facts, including the use of false documents, as well as grounds relating to national security or danger to society following a final conviction for a particularly serious crime, as provided in Article 13 of Law 4939/2022. 

As a general rule, review/withdrawal procedure is governed by Article 96 of Law 4939/2022. It may be initiated where new elements arise which constitute grounds for re-examining international protection status and assessing whether revocation or refusal to renew may be justified. The beneficiary must be informed in writing by the Determining Authority, through the competent Receiving Authority, at least fifteen working days before the re-examination. The notification must state the reasons for the review and the beneficiary must be given the opportunity to submit a written memorandum. During the review, the competent authority may collect relevant information, subject to the safeguards of Article 96(3) of Law 4939/2022. If the legal conditions for revocation are met, the decision must be reasoned, notified in accordance with Article 87, and include information on the right to appeal before the Appeals Authority, in accordance with Article 96(4). 

At operational level, the initiation of the procedure may depend on how the relevant information comes to the attention of the authorities. According to the administrative procedure registered in Mitos, the procedure may be initiated either by the Head of the competent Regional Asylum Office in individual cases or by decision of the Governor of the Asylum Service, for example where the review concerns a group of beneficiaries from a specific country of origin. Circular No. 3716/12.04.2021 is also relevant where information or documents indicating possible grounds for exclusion, revocation or refusal to renew are received or examined by the competent services. 

Where the review is based on confidential or classified information, a further distinction is required. Article 76 of Law 4939/2022, which also applies to revocation procedures pursuant to Article 96(5), allows restrictions on access to information or to its source where justified, in particular on national security grounds. However, such restrictions must not undermine the essence of the right to be heard and the right to an effective remedy. 

Article 96 of Law 4939/2022 does not provide for a mandatory personal interview at the initial review/withdrawal stage. Instead, it expressly provides for written notification of the beneficiary and the right to submit a written memorandum. 

No specific free legal aid is provided at the initial review/withdrawal stage under Article 96 of Law 4939/2022. However, the beneficiary may seek legal advice or representation at his or her own expense. Free legal assistance may be available at the appeal stage before the Appeals Authority, upon request and under the applicable conditions of Article 76 of Law 4939/2022, which applies to revocation procedures pursuant to Article 96(5). 

A decision revoking international protection status may be appealed before the Appeals Authority. Pursuant to Article 96(4) of Law 4939/2022, the revocation decision must be notified in accordance with Article 87, must state the factual and legal reasons for the revocation, and must provide information on the possibility to lodge an appeal before the Appeals Authority. 

Under Article 97(1)(a) of Law 4939/2022, an appeal against a decision revoking international protection status may be lodged before the Appeals Authority within thirty days from notification of the decision or from the date on which the person is deemed to have become aware of it, in accordance with Article 87(5). The appeal is examined under the second-instance administrative procedure before the Independent Appeals Committees. 

Renewal of the status: 

The permit is renewed by decision of the Head of the Regional Asylum Office at the request of the person concerned, which is submitted to the competent receiving authority at the latest thirty (30) calendar days prior to its expiration. Late unreasonable submission of the renewal application cannot in itself lead to its rejection. In such cases a fine of one hundred (100) euros is imposed. The residence permits are not granted or renewed when considering the withdrawal of international status protection, provided that there are grounds for public safety or national security. The residence permit, which proves the identity of the beneficiaries of international protection, is printed by the Department of Passports of the Hellenic Police Headquarters. The procedure for the renewal of a residence permit doesn’t entail an interview. The same applies when withdrawal of international protection is considered by the Deciding Authority. In this case a written memorandum can be presented within fifteen working days from the respective notification (art. 96 Law 4939/2022). No legal aid is available for this.

Withdrawal of the status: 

• Cassation: Refugee status shall be revoked or not renewed by the Deciding/Determining Authority if that person ceases to be a refugee in accordance to art. 10 of the Law (article 13 Law 4939/2022). 
  Note: When considering Withdrawal of international protection (Withdrawal as a general term according to its definition in art. 2(o) Directive 2013/32/EU, “…. the decision by a competent authority to revoke, end or refuse to renew the refugee or subsidiary protection status of a person in accordance with Directive 2011/95/EU”), the Law provides solely the terms “Revocation” and “Refusal to Renew”. 
• Procedure: The beneficiary shall be informed in writing by the Deciding Authority through the competent Receiving Authority at least fifteen (15) working days before the re-examination of the necessary conditions of international protection, as well as for the reasons of this re-examination. He has the right to submit in a written memorandum to the Deciding Authority, through the competent Receiving Authority, the reasons for which he considers that the granted status should not be revoked. (article 96 par.1-2, Law 4939/2022) 
• Decision: The decision to revoke the international protection status is notified to the applicant according to the general rules. The decision states the factual and legal reasons for revocation and provides information on the possibilities of appealing against it before the Appeals Authority. 

Grounds for withdrawal of the status: 

Article 10, Law 4939/2022: A third-country national or a stateless person shall cease to be a refugee if he or she: 

1. has voluntarily re-availed himself or herself of the protection of the country of nationality; or
2. having lost his or her nationality, has voluntarily re-acquired it; or
3. has acquired a new nationality, and enjoys the protection of the country of his or her new nationality; or
4. has resettled voluntarily in the country (s)he deserted due to fear of persecution
5. can no longer, because the circumstances in connection with which he or she has been recognized as a refugee have ceased to exist, continue to refuse to avail himself or herself of the protection of the country of nationality; or
6. being a stateless person, he or she is able, because the circumstances in connection with which he or she has been recognized as a refugee have ceased to exist, to return to the country of former habitual residence. 

In cases (e) and (f), the authority should examine if the change of circumstance is of such a significant and non-temporary nature, that the fear of persecution can no longer be regarded as reasonable. Paragraphs (e) and (f) do not apply to a refugee, who is able to invoke compelling reasons arising from previous persecution to refuse the protection provided by the country of nationality or, in the case of a stateless person, the country of his previous habitual residence. 

Revocation (Art. 13, Law 4939/2022) 

The competent authority revokes or refuses to renew refugee status if, after granting it, it establishes that: 

1. the person in question should have been excluded or is excluded from refugee status in accordance with article 11 of the law, 
2. the person concerned has falsified or omitted facts, including the use of forged documents, which were decisive for the granting refugee status. 

The Deciding/Determining Authority revokes or refuses to renew the status granted to a refugee when: 

1. it is reasonably considered that this person constitutes a risk to the national security of the country, 
2. this person constitutes a danger to the society of the country, due to his final conviction for the commission of a particularly serious crime, including the offenses referred to article 16.1(b) Law 4939/2022. 

Consequences of the withdrawal of the status: 

Residence Permit is removed upon notification of the decision and then cancelled if an appeal was not filed. 

Articles 3, 4, 16, 22, 31, 32, 33 of the European Convention on Human Rights are respected nevertheless. 

Following the notification of a decision revoking international protection status, the residence rights linked to that status are affected by the withdrawal decision. If no appeal is lodged within thirty days from notification of the decision, or from the date on which the person is deemed to have become aware of it in accordance with Article 87(5) of Law 4939/2022, the withdrawal decision becomes final at administrative level and the residence rights deriving from international protection cease. 

Where an appeal is lodged against a revocation decision under Article 96 of Law 4939/2022, the residence permit is returned to the appellant pursuant to Article 97(2). During the time-limit for lodging the appeal and, where the appeal is lodged within the deadline, until notification of the decision on the appeal, removal, readmission or return measures are suspended, subject to the exceptions provided by Article 110, pursuant to Article 97(3). 

Greek law does not provide for the automatic granting or conversion to another residence status following the withdrawal of international protection. The person concerned may apply for another type of residence permit under the general migration legislation, in particular Law 5038/2023, provided that the relevant substantive and procedural requirements of the applicable residence permit category are met. 

Where relevant, the assessment may include residence permit categories provided under the Migration Code, such as residence permits for humanitarian or exceptional reasons under Article 134 of Law 5038/2023, subject to the specific categories and conditions laid down in that provision.

Legal provisions relating to review, renewal and withdrawal of subsidiary protection

Length of the first and subsequent residence permits: 1-year residence permit (renewed for two years). 

Review of the status: No automatic review takes place. Beneficiaries need to apply for renewal as described in the next section (renewal of status).

Renewal of the status: The permit is renewed by decision of the Head of the Regional Asylum Office at the request of the person concerned, which is submitted to the competent receiving authority at the latest thirty (30) calendar days prior to its expiration. The procedure for the renewal of a residence permit doesn’t entail an interview. No legal aid is provided. Late unreasonable submission of the renewal application cannot in itself lead to its rejection. In such cases a fine of one hundred (100) euros is imposed. The residence permit, which proves the identity of the beneficiaries of international protection, is printed by the Department of Passports of the Hellenic Police Headquarters. 

Withdrawal of the status: The beneficiary shall be informed in writing by the Deciding Authority through the competent Receiving Authority at least fifteen (15) working days before the re-examination of the necessary conditions of international protection, as well as for the reasons of this re-examination. He has the right to submit in a written memorandum to the Deciding Authority, through the competent Receiving Authority, the reasons for which he considers that the granted status should not be revoked. (article 96 par.1-2, Law 4939/2022).

The decision to revoke the international protection status is notified to the applicant according to the general rules. The decision states the factual and legal reasons for revocation and provides information on the possibilities of appealing against it before the Appeals Authority.

Grounds for the withdrawal of the status: 

• Cessation (art. 15, Law 4939/2022) 
  The third country national or a stateless person ceases to be entitled to subsidiary protection when the circumstances that led to the recognition of this status have ceased or when these circumstances have changed to such an extent that the protection provided is no longer necessary. To this end, it is examined whether the change in circumstances is of such a substantial and non-temporary nature that the beneficiary of subsidiary protection no longer faces a real risk of suffering serious harm. 
  This does not apply to a beneficiary of subsidiary protection, who is able to invoke compelling reasons arising from previous serious harm to refuse the protection provided by the country of citizenship or, in the case of a stateless person, the country of previous habitual residence his residence. 
• Revocation of, or refusal to renew subsidiary status (art. 18 Law 4939/2022) 
  The subsidiary protection status is revoked, or refused to be renewed
  • if he or she has ceased to be eligible for subsidiary protection in accordance to art. 15 of the Law (Cessation). 
  • if after having been granted subsidiary protection status, 
    1. he or she should have been excluded from being eligible for subsidiary protection or is excluded (art 16 Law 4839/2022) 
    2. his/her misrepresentation or omission of facts, including the use of false documents, was decisive for the granting of subsidiary protection status. 

Consequences of the withdrawal of the status: Residence Permit is removed upon notification of the decision and then cancelled if an appeal was not filed. 

Articles 3, 4, 16, 22, 31, 32, 33 of the European Convention on Human Rights are respected nevertheless. 

Following the notification of a decision revoking subsidiary protection status, the residence rights linked to that status are affected by the withdrawal decision. If no appeal is lodged within thirty days from notification of the decision, or from the date on which the person is deemed to have become aware of it in accordance with Article 87(5) of Law 4939/2022, the withdrawal decision becomes final at administrative level and the residence rights deriving from subsidiary protection cease. 

Where an appeal is lodged against a revocation decision under Article 96 of Law 4939/2022, the residence permit is returned to the appellant pursuant to Article 97(2). During the time-limit for lodging the appeal and, where the appeal is lodged within the deadline, until notification of the decision on the appeal, removal, readmission or return measures are suspended, subject to the exceptions provided by Article 110, pursuant to Article 97(3). 

Greek law does not provide for the automatic granting or conversion to another residence status following the withdrawal of subsidiary protection status. The person concerned may apply for another type of residence permit under the general migration legislation, in particular Law 5038/2023, provided that the relevant substantive and procedural requirements of the applicable residence permit category are met. 

Where relevant, the assessment may include residence permit categories provided under the Migration Code, such as residence permits for humanitarian or exceptional reasons under Article 134 of Law 5038/2023, subject to the specific categories and conditions laid down in that provision. 

The withdrawal decision must provide information on the available legal remedies and on the right to lodge an appeal before the Appeals Authority. No specific mechanism is formally foreseen within the withdrawal procedure requiring the national authorities to facilitate access to another residence status or to provide specific counselling for that purpose.

Legal provisions relating to the review, renewal and withdrawal of national forms of protection: N/a 

Length of the first and subsequent residence permits: N/a 

Review of the status: N/a 

Renewal of the status: N/a 

Withdrawal of the status: N/a 

Grounds for the withdrawal of the status: N/a 

Consequences of the withdrawal of the status: N/a

• Law 4960/2022 on National Guardianship System and Framework for Accommodating Unaccompanied Minors and other provisions under the jurisdiction of the Ministry for Migration and Asylum (22 July 2022) 
• Circular no. 87206/14-02-2022 regarding the commission of a serious crime and its consequences for granting and withdrawing international protection status (14 February 2022), 
• Joint Ministerial Decision 513542/ 2022 (OGG B’ 4763/12.09.2022) on procedure of issuance of residence permits to beneficiaries of international protection (12 September 2022) 
• Joint Ministerial Decision 513551/2022 (OGG B’ 4763/12.09.2022) on appointment of competent organ for fee imposition for late status renewal applications (12 September 2022)

Authority responsible and legislative provisions for refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection: 

The competent Receiving or Examining Authorities provide beneficiaries of international protection, as soon as possible after recognition, access to information, in a language they understand, about the rights and obligations arising from their status. 

Migrant Integration Centres (M.I.C.), among other activities, provide information to beneficiaries, including legal information on issues related to their lawful residence in the country (e.g., residence permits, refugee identification cards, issue of “AMKA” social security number, etc.), information on education of children and on adult language courses. 

Format of the provision of information: 

Beneficiaries of international protection are provided with access to information as soon as possible after recognition, in a language they understand, in accordance with Article 21 of Law 4939/2022. The law does not prescribe one exclusive format for the provision of such information. 

In practice, information may be provided through written and oral communication by the competent Receiving or Examining Authorities, including administrative notifications, information leaflets and direct communication with the competent authorities. According to the Ministry’s reply to the Hellenic Parliament, an information leaflet on beneficiaries’ rights has been prepared, translated into the available languages and provided to beneficiaries together with the notification of the recognition decision. Supplementary information may also be available through the Ministry’s website, the Social Integration Help Desk and Migrant Integration Centres. (Ministry of Migration and Asylum, Reply No. 156113/16.03.2023 to Parliamentary Question No. 2202/13.02.2023, concerning the transposition of EU directives on equal treatment of beneficiaries of international protection and detention of asylum applicants, p. 2.)

Refugees: 

• Authority responsible for delivering the residence permit: Head of the Regional Asylum Office 

• Length of first and subsequent residence permits: 3-year residence permit (renewed for 3 years) 

  Procedure for delivering the residence permit (including timelines): The procedure for delivering the residence permit to beneficiaries of refugee status is governed by Article 23 of Law 4939/2022 and Joint Ministerial Decision No. 513542/2022. 

  Pursuant to Article 23(5) of Law 4939/2022, the residence permit of beneficiaries of international protection is printed by the Directorate of Passports and Security Documents of the Hellenic Police Headquarters. Article 23(6) provides that the procedure for issuing, renewing and replacing the residence permit, the required supporting documents, its format, content and specifications are regulated by joint ministerial decision. 

  Under Article 2 of Joint Ministerial Decision No. 513542/2022, the competent services for granting the uniform residence permit are the Regional Asylum Offices and Autonomous Asylum Units of the Asylum Service. The practical procedure includes the transmission of the printing request and the required data to the Directorate of Passports and Security Documents, in accordance with Article 7 of the JMD. To obtain the printed residence permit, the beneficiary must submit the required documents and biometric data before the competent Police Directorate or Passport Office, in accordance with the applicable administrative procedure. The printed residence permit is then delivered in person to the beneficiary by the competent Regional Asylum Office or Autonomous Asylum Unit, in accordance with Article 9 of the JMD. 

Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection: 

• Authority responsible for delivering the residence permit: Head of the Regional Asylum Office 

• Length of first and subsequent residence permits: 1-year residence permit (renewed for 2 years).

  Procedure for delivering the residence permit (including timelines): The procedure for delivering the residence permit to beneficiaries of subsidiary protection is governed by Article 23 of Law 4939/2022 and Joint Ministerial Decision No. 513542/2022. Pursuant to Article 23(5) of Law 4939/2022, the residence permit of beneficiaries of international protection is printed by the Directorate of Passports and Security Documents of the Hellenic Police Headquarters. Article 23(6) provides that the procedure for issuing, renewing and replacing the residence permit, the required supporting documents, its format, content and specifications are regulated by joint ministerial decision. 

  Under Article 2 of Joint Ministerial Decision No. 513542/2022, the competent services for granting the uniform residence permit are the Regional Asylum Offices and Autonomous Asylum Units of the Asylum Service. The practical procedure includes the transmission of the printing request and the required data to the Directorate of Passports and Security Documents, in accordance with Article 7 of the JMD. The printed residence permit is then delivered in person to the beneficiary by the competent Regional Asylum Office or Autonomous Asylum Unit, in accordance with Article 9 of the JMD.

Refugees: 

• Authority responsible for delivering the travel document: Passport Offices of the Hellenic Police. A Travel Document [Convention of 28 July 1951 ('titre de voyage' as defined in art.24 Law 4939/2022)] is provided to beneficiaries 
• Validity period of the travel document: For beneficiaries of refugee status the validity of the travel document is 5 years for adults and minors above 14 years old, and 3 years for minors up to 14 years old. 

• Procedure for delivering the travel document (including the necessity to pay any fees): Beneficiaries apply to the Passport Offices of the Hellenic Police, where they submit all the necessary supporting documents. The fee for a passport is €80 for adults and minors older than 14 years old, and €71 for minors younger than 14 years old. The travel document is printed by the Directorate of Passports and Security Documents of the Hellenic Police Headquarters. The procedure for issuing, renewing and replacing, the required supporting documents, the type, the content of indications, the duration of validity of the above travel document are determined by a joint decision of the Ministers of Citizen Protection and Immigration and Asylum, in accordance with par. 3 of article 1 of Law 3103/2003 (A' 23). [see Joint Ministerial Decision 10302/2020 (OGG B’ 2036/30.05.2020) Procedure on TDV issuance for recognized refugees, beneficiaries of subsidiary protection and international protection applicants] 

  All administrative steps entailed in the process are described here. 

Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection: 

• Authority responsible for delivering the travel document: Passport Offices of the Hellenic Police. 
• Validity period of the travel document: For beneficiaries of subsidiary protection the validity of the travel document (titre de voyage- TDV) is 3 years. 
• Procedure for delivering the travel document (including the necessity to pay any fees): Beneficiaries apply to the Passport Offices of the Hellenic Police, where they submit all the necessary supporting documents. The fee for a passport is €63.4. All administrative steps entailed in the process are described here.

Yes - art.32 Law 4939/2022: The free movement of beneficiaries of international protection status is allowed under the same conditions and restrictions that apply to citizens of third countries, who reside legally in the country. The reservations provided for in article 26 of the Geneva Convention and concerning Greece are not affected.

• Right to access the labour market: Yes (Article 26, Law 4939/2022). Beneficiaries of international protection may engage in employed or self-employed activity. Same provisions as nationals apply regarding on remuneration and social security. 
• Administrative steps for employment: To be able to access employment, beneficiaries need to have obtained a Tax Registration Number, a Social Security Number and an Insurance Registration Number. A description of the process is available here. 

• Access to employment-related educational opportunities for adults and vocational training (including training courses for upgrading professional skills): Beneficiaries of international protection may participate in educational programs for adults, which are related to employment, vocational training, including training courses for upgrading skills, practical training in workplaces and counselling by employment services, under the same conditions with Greek citizens. (Article 26, Law 4939/2022).

  For beneficiaries of international protection, the regular provisions in force regarding remuneration, access to the social security system, salaries, independent activity, and working conditions, apply.

• Minors’ right and conditions to access education (pre-school, primary school, secondary school, post-secondary and tertiary education): Minor applicants and minor children of applicants during their stay in the country are required to join primary and secondary education units of the public education system. Integration into the public education system takes place no later than three (3) months from the date of completion of the minor's identification. (Articles 27 & 55, Law 4939/2022).

  Access to secondary education is not limited to minor applicants, but can also concern adult applicants, and for as long as there is no pending removal measure against them. (Article 56, Law 4939/2022).

• Additional support provided to minors for education, including access to grants and loans: Minors who have been granted international protection status have access to primary and secondary compulsory education in the public education system under the same conditions as Greek nationals, in accordance with Article 27 of Law 4939/2022. 

  Additional support may be provided through the general public education system and relevant educational or integration measures, where available. This may include language support, reception classes, remedial or compensatory teaching and measures aimed at facilitating school integration. 

  No specific grants or loans for minors are provided under the asylum or international protection framework. However, minors who are beneficiaries of international protection may benefit from general education-related support schemes under the applicable national provisions, provided that the relevant eligibility criteria are met. 

• Adults’ right and conditions to access education: Yes, under the same conditions with Greek citizens. (Article 26, Law 4939/2022) 

• Additional support provided to adults for education, including access to grants and loans: Adult beneficiaries of international protection have access to the general education system and to further training or education programmes under the same conditions as legally residing third-country nationals, in accordance with Article 27(2) of Law 4939/2022. 

  Additional support may be available through general national education, adult learning, vocational training and integration programmes, subject to the applicable eligibility criteria. Where the support is linked to employment or vocational training, Article 26(2) of Law 4939/2022 may also be relevant, as it provides that beneficiaries of international protection may participate, under the same conditions as Greek citizens, in adult education programmes related to employment, vocational training, upskilling courses, workplace traineeships and counselling by employment services. 

  No specific grants or loans for adult beneficiaries are provided under the asylum or international protection framework as such. However, beneficiaries may have access to general education-related or student support schemes under the applicable national provisions, provided that the relevant conditions are fulfilled.

The general rules apply on the recognition of foreign diplomas, certificates and other proof of official titles, under the same conditions as Greek nationals who have obtained foreign titles. (Article 28, Law 4939/2022).

Refugees: 

• Conditions to access social security and social assistance: Everyone who is granted international protection status has access to health care, social security and social welfare under the same rules for Greek citizens. (Article 29, Law 4939/2022).

• Special social assistance for refugees: Refugees, as beneficiaries of international protection, have access to necessary social assistance under the same conditions as Greek citizens, in accordance with Article 29 of Law 4939/2022. 

  No specific or additional social assistance scheme is provided exclusively for refugees under the international protection framework. Refugees may access general national social welfare programmes under the same conditions as Greek citizens, subject to the applicable eligibility criteria of each scheme.

Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection: 

• Conditions to access social security and social assistance: Everyone who is granted international protection status has access to health care, social security and social welfare under the same rules for Greek citizens. (Article 29, Law 4939/2022). 
• Is access to social assistance limited to core benefits? If so, what are considered core benefits? If not, what are the additional benefits?): Access to social assistance is not limited to core benefits. 

• Special social assistance for beneficiaries of subsidiary protection: Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection have access to necessary social assistance under the same conditions as Greek citizens, in accordance with Article 29 of Law 4939/2022. 

  No specific or additional social assistance scheme is provided exclusively for beneficiaries of subsidiary protection under the international protection framework. They may access general national social welfare programmes under the same conditions as Greek citizens, subject to the applicable eligibility criteria of each scheme.

Beneficiaries of international protection have access to medical treatment under the conditions that apply to Greek citizens (Art.30, Law 4939/2022). Beneficiaries of international protection who have special needs and in particular pregnant women, people with disabilities, people who have suffered torture, rape or other serious forms of psychological, physical or sexual violence or minors who have been victims of any form of abuse, neglect, exploitation, torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, shall be provided with adequate medical care, including treatment for mental and mental disability where necessary.

Refugees: 

• Conditions and restrictions to access accommodation as a refugee: Art.31, Law 4939/2022: Beneficiaries of international protection have access to accommodation under the conditions and restrictions applicable to third-country nationals legally residing in the country, taking into account the need to disperse them at national level and to ensure equal opportunities in terms of access to accommodation. 
• Type of accommodation facilities available to refugees: Beneficiaries of international protection have access to accommodation under the conditions and limitations applicable to legally residing third-country nationals, in accordance with Article 31 of Law 4939/2022. Article 31 does not establish a specific type of accommodation facility, a dedicated accommodation scheme, or a general national dispersal mechanism for recognized beneficiaries of international protection. 
• National dispersal mechanism for refugees: No dispersal mechanism for recognized beneficiaries of international protection is in place. 
• Additional support provided for accommodation: In practice, accommodation is generally accessed through the general housing market. Housing-related support may be available through specific integration programs or general social assistance schemes, where such programs exist and subject to their eligibility criteria. Such support should be distinguished from reception accommodation, which primarily concerns applicants for international protection, and should not be presented as a general entitlement to accommodation or as a general dispersal mechanism. 

Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection: 

• Conditions and restrictions to access accommodation as a beneficiary of subsidiary protection: Art.31, Law 4939/2022: Beneficiaries of international protection have access to accommodation under the conditions and restrictions applicable to third-country nationals legally residing in the country, taking into account the need to disperse them at national level and to ensure equal opportunities in terms of access to accommodation. 
• Type of accommodation facilities available to beneficiaries of subsidiary protection: Beneficiaries of international protection have access to accommodation under the conditions and limitations applicable to legally residing third-country nationals, in accordance with Article 31 of Law 4939/2022. Article 31 does not establish a specific type of accommodation facility, a dedicated accommodation scheme, or a general national dispersal mechanism for recognized beneficiaries of international protection. 
• National dispersal mechanism for beneficiaries of subsidiary protection: No dispersal mechanism for recognized beneficiaries of international protection is in place. 
• Additional support provided for accommodation: In practice, accommodation is generally accessed through the general housing market. Housing-related support may be available through specific integration programs or general social assistance schemes, where such programs exist and subject to their eligibility criteria. Such support should be distinguished from reception accommodation, which primarily concerns applicants for international protection, and should not be presented as a general entitlement to accommodation or as a general dispersal mechanism.

Refugees: 

Beneficiaries of international protection should follow the appropriate social integration programs drawn up by the competent services. (article 33, Law 4939/2022). 

Authority: Directorate of Social Integration was established in 2016 with law 4375/2016 (ΦΕΚ 51Α), as part of the General Secretariat of Migration Policy of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum. According to the Presidential Decree 106/2020, the Directorate of Social Integration consists of the following Departments: 

• the Policy and Program Planning department, 
• the Intercultural Mediation department, 
• the Socio-economic Integration department, and 
• the Support for Beneficiaries of International Protection department.

Migrant Integration Centers (M.I.C.) were established by law 4368/2016 (Gov.Gaz. 21 Α’/ 21.2.2016) and function as branches of Community Centers in municipalities. The role of the Directorate of Social Integration is to co-ordinate and monitor the operation of M.I.C. 

The Mission of M.I.C. is to

• Inform, provide service and offer specialized services to third-country nationals.
• Develop collaborations and networks in order to help beneficiaries connect with social integration services and programs.
• Implement social integration activities that promote social cohesion. 

Services provided by M.I.C.: M.I.C. provide information, service and counseling to third-country nationals with regards to social integration and social networking issues, including:

• legal information to third country nationals with regards to issues that concern them pertaining to their lawful residence in the country (e.g., residence permits, refugee identification cards, issue of “AMKA” social security number, etc.).
• Offer social and psychological support, especially to vulnerable groups of third-country nationals (e.g., females, children, etc..).
• Support the education of children of third-country nationals. They also provide information on adult language courses offered within municipality areas.
• Raise awareness in local communities with regards to diversity and social issues such as xenophobia, racism, and human trafficking.
• Promote volunteerism.
• Support the participation of third-country nationals in groups, associations, and intercultural organizations.
• Network with other M.I.C., services or bodies that conduct social integration activities. 

M.I.C. collaborate and refer requests to other competent associations, services or bodies (e.g., Associations of Migrants/Beneficiaries of International Protection, Non-Profit Organizations, Social Services, etc.). 

Some of the following activities are implemented in the context of M.I.C.: 

• Lessons in Greek language, history, and culture which are offered to adults who are either migrants or beneficiaries of international protection.
• Intercultural activities which facilitate the co-existence between third-country children/young people and native children/ young people. 
• Activities that facilitate third-country nationals' access to the job market. 

Migrant Integration Centers operate in: 

• Athens
• Piraeus
• Kallithea
• Thessaloniki
• Kordelio Evosmos
• Thiva
• Lamia
• Andravida Killini
• Iraklio
• Lesvos 

National Strategy on Integration 

The National Strategy on Integration of Ministry for Migration Policy and Asylum was issued in January 2022, outlines the parameters of integration according to EU principles and directives, and emphasises the importance of integration in local societies. It proposes specific measures and actions and gives a list of interventions that together form part of an integrated approach. It encompasses nine policy areas, including the cooperation with local government, the reception of asylum seekers, education and targeted policies for vulnerable migrants. 

HELIOS Project 

The HELIOS programme, which was run by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and supported the integration of beneficiaries of international and temporary protection into Greek society, concluded on 30 November. IOM is now working closely with national authorities to develop a new integration support programme, which will sustain and expand the support previously provided by the HELIOS programme. 

Help Desk for Social Integration 

This service is offered exclusively to recognized refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection. 

The Directorate of Social Integration of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum has created the service “Help Desk for Social Integration” in order to respond to social integration-related questions and queries of beneficiaries of international protection, such as Greek language courses, job counseling, housing, issuing Tax Identification Number (ΑΦΜ, Social Security Number (AMKA) and so on. 

Program: Reinforcement/promotion of intercultural mediation services in Community Centers/Migrant Integration Centers of Municipalities 

Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection: Article 33 of Law 4939/2022 refers generally to beneficiaries of international protection and does not distinguish between refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection. Therefore, no substantive difference appears to exist between the two categories as regards access to integration measures.

Refugees: 

• Right to family reunification for refugees: Family unity, Art. 22, Law 4939/2022 
• Time period for which exceptions apply for refugees: refugees can apply for family reunification within three months after the notification of their asylum decision. 
• Eligible family members: the spouse, provided that s/he has reached the age of 18, as well as their unmarried common children under 18, including those who have been legally adopted in Greece by a court decision or by a foreign court decision that is automatically enforceable or has been declared enforceable or has been recognized as res judicata in Greece. Family members also include the unmarried children, under 18 years of age, of the breadwinner or of the other spouse, including children who have been adopted, as described above, provided that the exercise of custody has been legally assigned to the breadwinner for the children of the breadwinner, and to this spouse for the children of the other spouse. Unaccompanied children can apply for family reunification with their parents or legal guardians or another family member if they do not have parents or their parents cannot be traced.

• Conditions for family reunification: Sponsor’s requirements: The sponsor needs to prove the family relationship and that s/he meets cumulatively the following conditions:

  1. has accommodation capable of meeting the needs of her/himself and the members of her/his family for whom reunification is requested;
  2. has a stable and regular personal income, sufficient for the needs of her/himself and her/his family, which does not come from recourse to the country's social assistance system. This income cannot be lower than the annual earnings of a person paid the minimum wage, according to national legislation, increased by twenty percent (20%) for the spouse and by fifteen percent (15%) for each child. The above increase of fifteen percent (15%) for each child is not required if both (2) spouses reside legally in Greece,
  3. has full health insurance for all risks covered for the corresponding categories of domestic workers, which can also cover the members of her/his family. 

  In order to verify the existence of the family relationship, the competent body may invite the sponsor to a personal interview and conduct any other investigation deemed necessary, and the sponsor's application must be accompanied by the required supporting documents, as defined in the decision of paragraph 1 of article 178, of the Immigration Code. 

• Brief description of the procedure to follow (documents from country of origin, fees and costs, procedure): The sponsor submits, through the electronic services of the Ministry of Immigration and Asylum, an application for family reunification, accompanied by the required supporting documents. The Service responsible for examining the request immediately seeks the opinion of the relevant police authority on matters relating to public order and security, as well as the opinion of the competent Greek consular authority, with a view to verifying the existence of the family relationship, in particular through personal interviews with the family members and examining risks arising for public health. Failure of the family members, whose entry the sponsor has requested, to appear for an interview at the relevant consular authority shall render the request inadmissible. The above opinions shall be provided within an exclusive period of three (3) months. In exceptional cases related to the complex nature of the examination, this period may be extended for a period of thirty (30) days. The complete file of the applicant for family reunification shall be sent to the relevant Consulate by the Decentralized Administration via e-mail. In each case, lists of citizens who have submitted an application for family reunification are sent via e-mail to the relevant consulates. When examining the application for family reunification, the interests of minor children are particularly assessed. The competent Service, after taking into account the above opinions, issues a relevant decision of approval for family reunification and transmits it via e-mail to the relevant Greek consular authority, which, provided that the request has been accepted and the other entry conditions are met, grants the required special entry visas to the family member. When family members arrive in Greece and before their visas expire, they must apply for a residence permit. More information on the process is available here and here. 
• Reunified family members’ rights (in particular, length of first and subsequent residence permits, access to integration programmes/measures): For a family member of a beneficiary of international protection who does not individually qualify for international protection and is granted family reunification, a residence permit with a duration of the validity of the beneficiary’s permit of protection is granted. For a family member of a beneficiary of international protection who individually qualifies for international protection, the same rights deriving from the status of the beneficiary are granted, upon request. 

Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection: 

• Right to family reunification for beneficiaries of subsidiary protection: Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection have no right to family reunification.