Since May 2024, the project “Enhancing the Asylum Process for Vulnerable Asylum Seekers in Greece” is supported within the framework of the Swiss-Greek Cooperation Programme. It aims to strengthen migration management mechanisms by establishing specialized asylum units and improving the administrative capacity to process asylum applications more efficiently. The initiative places special emphasis on unaccompanied minors and victims of gender-based violence, ensuring tailored psychosocial and legal support throughout the asylum process. This project also addresses administrative challenges, reducing processing times for asylum applications while promoting refugee integration into Greek society. The outcomes are expected to include a streamlined asylum process, the efficient resolution of at least 5,320 asylum applications, and improved psychosocial and housing support for vulnerable asylum seekers.

Project description

Background

Greece remains on the frontline of Europe’s migration challenges, facing a significant increase in migration flows over the past year. Vulnerable asylum seekers, such as unaccompanied minors and victims of trauma, endure prolonged waiting periods for decisions, often exceeding 350 days. These delays exacerbate their exposure to exploitation and marginalization. To mitigate these challenges, the project establishes two specialized asylum units in Athens and Thessaloniki, aiming to reduce processing times, alleviate bottlenecks, and provide psychosocial and legal support tailored to the needs of vulnerable groups.

Objectives

The project enhances the asylum process for vulnerable groups, ensuring their access to psychosocial and medical support while expediting the asylum application process. It reduces waiting times for decisions to less than 230 days and strengthens institutional capacity through staff training and infrastructure upgrades.

Target groups

The primary beneficiaries are vulnerable asylum seekers, including unaccompanied minors, victims of gender-based violence, and individuals requiring psychosocial or medical assistance.

Activities

The intervention strategy includes the establishment of two specialized asylum units in Athens and Thessaloniki. These units will provide tailored psychosocial and legal support, ensuring a sensitive and efficient asylum process for vulnerable groups. Additional training for staff is planned in collaboration with the European Union Asylum Agency to improve the handling of cases involving unaccompanied minors and victims of gender-based violence. Enhanced administrative procedures and infrastructure will also expedite decision-making and promote integration into society.

Federal office responsible

Federal Department of Justice and Police / State Secretariat for Migration