The annual report prepared by Eda Gemi and Bledar Feta for the OECD Network of International Migration Experts, provides an in-depth analysis of migration trends, asylum processes, integration policies, and legislative developments in Greece, covering data from 2023 and the first nine months of 2024.
The analysis explores the composition and socio-demographic characteristics of the immigrant population in Greece, examining its size, distribution, and labour market participation. Special attention is given to the flows and stock of asylum seekers and irregular migrants, particularly those entering through Greek-Turkish sea and land borders. Additionally, the report highlights key policy developments in migration and asylum policy during 2023-2024, addressing the challenges and priorities Greece faces in managing migration and integration policies.
The report is structured into six chapters:
Chapter 1 provides a broad overview of recent migration trends, drawing on the statistical data to analyze the size, composition, and main characteristics of the migrant population, including their participation in the labour market.
Chapter 2 examines the presence of asylum seekers and refugees, assessing their size, demographic profile, and legal status. It also covers asylum applications, Dublin cases, relocation efforts, the decongestion of the Agean Islands, and transfers to the mainland, with a particular focus on unaccompanied minors (UAMs).
Chapter 3 addresses irregular migration flows, returns, and readmissions, providing insights into deportation procedures, detention policies, fast-track asylum processes, and push-back allegations.
Chapter 4 focuses on the reception and integration of Ukrainian refugees in Greece, outlining specific policies and measures implemented to support this group.
Chapter 5 examines the reception system, accommodation schemes, and broader integration policies for asylum seekers and refugees. Special emphasis is placed on the housing and protection of unaccompanied minors.
Chapter 6 discusses policy and legislative developments, including citizenship acquisitions, racism and xenophobia.
Between, 2023 and 2024, Greece’s migration landscape was significantly shaped by increasing migration flows, evolving policy reforms, and ongoing human rights concerns. While Greece’s foreign population grew, partially offsetting some of population loss, the country still faced considerable challenges in managing labour migration and regularization programs, outward migration, irregular migration and asylum pressures. These challenges highlight the complex interplay of political, humanitarian and economic factors that Greece faces in its efforts to manage irregular migration, while balancing the needs of the domestic labour market with its obligations under EU and international law.
You can read the full national report about Greece here.
You can read the 2024 edition of International Migration Outlook produced by OECD here.
Experts
