Greece has recently initiated the reopening of asylum cases for individuals from Syria and Afghanistan, raising concerns among affected migrants. The country’s migration minister announced this decision in early February 2026, following the end of the Syrian civil war in December 2024. This has resulted in the reopening of cases for approximately 1,200 Syrians, including individuals like Bashir, who fears potential eviction.

Bashir has lived in Greece since 2014, raising a family and establishing himself in the local economy. However, he received a notice from authorities requesting him to justify his reasons for remaining in the country. The re-evaluation of his asylum status has left him unsettled, questioning the criteria behind Greece’s decisions regarding safety in Syria.

The reopening of asylum cases is not limited to Syrians; Afghan nationals are also affected. After the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, the situation in Afghanistan has remained precarious, which raises questions about the safety of returning individuals to either country.

Concerns Raised By Legal Representatives

Legal representatives of affected migrants have expressed their concerns regarding the new policy. Angeliki Theodoropoulou, a lawyer, noted that only men are currently receiving notices about their asylum status, and this initiative appears to align with the European Union’s overall stance towards these nations. There is a belief that the agency’s actions may be influenced by a rising number of voluntary returns from these countries.

Theodoropoulou commented on the tightening regulations concerning international protection for Syrian and Afghan nationals. She highlighted the increasing difficulty for asylum seekers to gain protection, with a significant number of cases facing rejection. This shift in policy is prompting individuals like Bashir and others to consider their undetermined futures cautiously.

Many migrants, including those from Syria and Afghanistan, possess families, stable jobs, and have contributed to Greek society. The potential decision to revoke their asylum raises critical concerns about not only their welfare but also their family dynamics as they consider the possible implications of returning to uncertain circumstances back home.

Greece’s Migration Policy and Political Climate

In conjunction with the reopening of asylum cases, Greece has been actively tightening its overall migration policy. The government has previously suspended asylum applications from predominantly Muslim migrants and expressed a preference for non-Muslim migrant workers. This stance was reiterated by migration minister Thanos Plevris, who explicitly mentioned a lack of shared values with certain countries, citing religion as a significant factor.

Plevris announced earlier this year that Greece would enforce stricter returns policies, which has raised concerns regarding the treatment of rejected asylum seekers. Such policies include imprisonment for those who refuse deportation and limiting their opportunity to remain in the country. This development signifies a shift towards more rigorous measures in managing migration.

As Europe prepares to implement the Asylum and Migration Pact, Greece faces the challenge of handling an already significant number of migrants. With approximately 938,000 legally resident migrants in a population of 10.3 million, and over 137,000 recipients of asylum or international protection, the government is bracing for possible future refugee flows amid ongoing instability in the Middle East and North Africa.

With historical precedents, such as the influx of over one million asylum seekers in 2015, the national strategy continues to evolve. Such complexities highlight the need for balanced political and humanitarian responses as the situation develops.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share