The Greek Ministry of Immigration and Asylum has released data showing that there were 583 revocations of international protection status between 2021 and 2025, a stark contrast to just 19 revocations during the period from 2013 to 2020. This significant rise in revocations highlights a clear policy direction aimed at ensuring stricter adherence to the institutional framework governing asylum and immigration. The data shows a more active approach by the ministry in handling asylum cases, focusing on the legal tools available at both national and European levels.

Thanos Plevris, the Minister of Immigration and Asylum, who took office in July 2025, initiated a directive for a systematic re-examination of all international protection cases. This approach is based on objective criteria that may warrant a revocation of asylum status. It indicates a shift from merely sporadic application of the relevant laws to a more proactive and structured application of these regulations. Sources from the ministry emphasize that this change represents a fundamental transition in the operational focus of the immigration policies in Greece.

The effects of this new strategy are expected to be significant both in terms of processing time for cases and the overall management of the asylum system in Greece. By implementing a thorough examination of all cases, the ministry aims to ensure that only those who genuinely qualify for international protection are granted asylum, thereby aligning with both national interests and European Union directives. This re-evaluation process could set a precedent for how asylum cases are managed in the future, potentially impacting thousands of individuals seeking refuge in Greece.