The Hellenic Police (ELAS) organized a planned deportation flight on Tuesday, February 4, in coordination with FRONTEX and in collaboration with the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.
The operation involved the return of 10 Georgian and 30 Pakistani citizens whose asylum applications had been definitively rejected, sending them back to their home countries.
The Ministry of Migration and Asylum’s Asylum Service quickly reviewed the new applications submitted in the past 48 hours at the Amygdaleza Return Center. They completed the necessary procedures at Atatürk Airport, concluding the deportation process.
According to Eurostat’s official data for 2024, Greece ranks fourth among the 27 EU member countries for deportations of rejected asylum seekers.
Panagiotopoulos: Greece Follows a Strict but Fair Policy
Minister of Migration and Asylum Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos stated, “Greece applies a strict but fair immigration policy based on border protection, the rapid and effective examination of asylum applications, and the acceleration of deportations for those not in need of international protection. Yesterday’s deportation operation, conducted in cooperation with the Hellenic Police, FRONTEX, and the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, reaffirms our commitment to strictly applying the European and national frameworks for migration management.”
The Minister continued, “Greece ranks fourth in Europe for the deportation of rejected asylum seekers. This reflects our systematic efforts to ensure asylum is granted only to those who deserve it, while those who do not meet the criteria are returned to their home countries. An effective deportation policy is not only a priority for Greece, but also a necessity for Europe. To ensure the swift and coordinated return of those not in need of international protection, a common European strategy is needed to strengthen cooperation with both countries of origin and third countries.”
