Greece accounts for 50% of all voluntary returns from the EU to Syria

According to official data from the Ministry of Immigration and Asylum, following a thorough review between 1 March and 9 April 2026, the Revocations Department of the Returns Directorate of the Asylum Service proceeded with the revocation of 1,203 refugee statuses of Syrian nationals. 

This was highlighted by the ministry as a testament to systematic effort in properly implementing international protection procedures. The ministry also highlighted as positive and measurable result that Greece scores first among EU countries in the number of voluntary returns to Syria. In the framework of the Action "Implementation of Assisted Voluntary Returns and reintegration measures", which is co-financed by the EU and implemented by IOM Greece, Greece records the highest performance among EU Member States. Specifically, from October 2025 to April 2026, Greece holds the first place in voluntary returns to Syria with 89 returns, corresponding to approximately 50% of all returns made by the EU. Specifically, a total of 178 returns were made throughout the EU.

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