Ministry of Immigration: Turkey remains safe third country for asylum seekers

The Joint Ministerial Decision of the Ministers of Immigration & Asylum, Maki Voridis, and Foreign Affairs, was published, with which Turkey, among other countries, is part of the National Catalog of Safe Countries as a « safe third country » for specific categories of applicants.

By a joint ministerial decision of the Ministers of Migration and Foreign Affairs, Turkey is again described as a « safe third country » for applicants for international protection from Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Somalia.

The decision was adopted in compliance with a recent cancellation of a previous decision by the plenary of the Council of State, which had ruled that the characterization of Turkey was not sufficiently justified.

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 statement from the Ministry states 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.