Gov’t lays out changes to asylum system

Draft bill stipulates distinction between refugees and migrants, while new measures announced to stem flows

Drastic changes to the asylum law are set out in the Citizens’ Protection Ministry bill presented by Michalis Chrysochoidis to the cabinet yesterday which seeks to draw a clear distinction between migrants and refugees.

According to the ministry, the main objective is to create a new asylum system that is rigorous and fair, but also designed to factor in the recent spike in migrant flows to the Greek islands and the fact that the Balkan corridor to the rest of Europe remains closed. It also seeks to ensure that rejected applications are not repeatedly resubmitted. The government has insisted that the changes to the law will fully respect the rights of asylum seekers, as stipulated in European Union law, but it will also require asylum applicants to work with national authorities. More specifically, the law also states that migrants eligible to seek asylum must fulfill certain obligations.

Meanwhile, the government yesterday announced a fresh batch of measures to stem flows, including steps to tighten up border controls, through increased sea patrols. The coast guard’s increased presence in the eastern Aegean has also prompted an increase of Turkish vessels which have over the last three days intercepted 16 vessels with 631 foreign nationals on board. Apart from sea patrols, the government said “closed centers” will be built for migrants and rejected asylum seekers who are to be deported. According to the new law, authorities will also factor in whether the refugee’s country of origin is deemed safe or unsafe for the individual. Moreover, reception facilities on the islands will be decongested by the transfer of people to the mainland. The measures were announced amid unrest on the eastern Aegean island of Lesvos following a fire in the overcrowded Moria camp which left at least one woman dead on Sunday.