The Voridis-Grapetritis JMD will allow for immediate rejection of asylum applications of those who have entered Greece illegally from Turkey and their return
The Joint Ministerial Decision of the Ministers of Migration & Asylum, Maki Voridis and Foreign Affairs, George Gerapetritis, was published, with which Turkey, among other countries, is part of the National Catalog of Safe Third Countries as a “safe third country” for specific categories of applicants.
Specifically, the decision explicitly provides for Turkey’s designation as a safe third country for applicants for international protection with a country of origin in Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Somalia. At the same time, the decision will allow for immediate rejection of asylum applications of those who have illegally entered Greece by Turkey and their return, as a ministry said in a statement that “the return of those who remain illegally in the country is a key priority”.
The adoption of the above decision was made necessary due to the annulment of the previous one by the CoE. This has been published in full reason, in compliance with the Council of State Council.