​​Central

The Ministry of Migration Policy was established in 2016. It is responsible for:

• Planning and implementing the national migration policy;
• The nationals of third countries that enter the country legally;
• The nationals of foreign countries that enter the country illegally;
• Planning and implementing the national asylum policy;
• Providing protection to individuals that fulfil the criteria for international protection;
• Implementing the national and European legislation on immigration;
• Coordinating all the relevant services, at the national and regional level;
• Representing, along with the ministry of foreign affairs, the country internationally on issues that have to do with immigration;
  
   

The Asylum Service operates under the auspices of the ministry of Migration policy. The Asylum Service is the country's primary autonomous structure that deals with the examination of asylum and international protection. It is responsible for:

• Considering and deciding, according to national legislation and international obligations, requests for asylum.
• Planning the national asylum policy and policy on international protection;
• Evaluating and assessing applications for protection at first instance;
• Liaising with and supporting the individuals applying for protection
• Planning the reestablishment of refugees from third countries.

The Service of First Reception, also, operates under the auspices of the ministry of Migration Policy. It is responsible for:

• Identifying and registering foreign nationals entering the country;
• Conducting their medical examination;
• Informing them on the available regimes of protection and for the return process;
• ensuring the immediate living needs of foreigners, including housing;
• planning the service's annual operational plan.

The Greek Police is responsible for:

• The arrest of individuals that attempt to enter in the country illegally;
• The deportation of individuals who enter the country illegally;
• The arrest of human traffickers;
• The identification of illegal immigrants;
• Passport control.

At a decentralised central level, there are 11 regional services of first receptions and identification. At the same time, regional asylum services are also in operation.

State services seated at local or regional level.

• The decentralised administration authorities are responsible for:
• The issuance of residence permits of third country nationals, legally residing in Greece for work or other reasons (legal migrants – this authority is a decentralised administration, authorities of the State at regional / local level)
• The units for integration issues ,within their territorial competence, specify and implement programmes in view of social integration of third country nationals, refugees and persons under international protection. They also monitor their   implementation in cooperation with other jointly responsible authorities.    
• Permits for temporary work for third country nationals that request asylum.
• Work permits for refugees.

​Regional

Since 2019, under the new National Strategy of Integration of migrants : the role of the Local Government is strengthened, as an integral part of the integration policies and as a basic executive mechanism during their implementation, as well as creating and ensuring a favorable framework for the participation of municipalities and regions in the integration process.

The main changes: Creation of a regional mechanism for the distribution of the immigrant population

The creation of a regional mechanism for the distribution of the new immigrant and refugee population in the regions and municipalities of the country.

The mechanism will be supervised by the Ministry of Immigration Policy, while it will be coordinated by the regions in cooperation with the representatives of the social services of the municipalities.

Local

Municipal authorities are responsible for:

• The planning and implementation of programmes (or participation in programmes and actions) for the social, economic and cultural integration of Roma, Gypsies, returning expatriates, immigrants and refugees to the local community;
• The registration of the name of Greeks who live abroad or aliens who obtain Greek citizenship or returning expatriates, persons who have Greek citizenship.
• The establishment of the “Immigrant Integration Council" in each municipality, as an advisory body, in order to strengthen the smooth integration of immigrants in local community. The councils:
• Record and investigate the problems of immigrants residing permanently in respect to their integration;
• Submit proposals for local actions promoting the smooth integration of immigrants and the organisation of municipal consultancy services and awareness events.
• Reception and management of reception centres for asylum seekers and refugees.
• Municipalities take active part in the “ESTIA" program. The program is EU-funded and aims to help get refugees into urban accommodation and out of camps and provides them with regular cash assistance.

Responsible ministries/bodies

Ministry for Immigration Policy

Sources

Ministry of Migration Policy according to presidential decree 122/17 (O.G 149/ 10-10-2017)

European Commission Press release: http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-18-2604_en.htm

Law 4249/ 14 (O.G. 73/ 24-03-2014)

Law 3463/2006 (OJ Α 114/30.6.2006) 'Code for Municipalities and Communities', Article.  75.

Law 3852/2010 (OJ Α 87/7.6.2010) 'Reorganisation of Local Government - Kallikratis Programme', Articles 76 and 186.

Statute Law 3907/2011(OJ A 7/26.01.2011)

National Strategy for Integration of migrants

Consultation for Asylum and Migration