In a recent address in Parliament, Greek Minister of Migration and Asylum Thanos Plevris announced plans for a substantial increase in the review and subsequent revocation of asylum applications. This statement was made in response to questions from opposition MP Dimitris Giannakopoulos regarding the case of Javed Aslam, president of the Pakistani Community in Greece. Plevris emphasized that the Asylum Service and the Appeals Committees operate independently, and he cannot intervene in individual cases, highlighting the legal boundaries concerning the minister's role in asylum evaluations.

Plevris clarified that the only way a minister can intervene in asylum cases is through administrative courts if they disagree with a final ruling from the second degree of review. This underscores a commitment to uphold the independence of the asylum processes while ensuring that there are systematic reviews of pending cases. The minister's declaration conveys a clear political direction to reassess and enhance scrutiny of asylum cases, thereby reflecting the government's tougher stance on asylum policies.

Amid broader discussions on migration, Plevris's remarks indicate a shift towards a more stringent asylum policy in Greece, which may have implications for many individuals seeking refuge. The planned increase in asylum cancellations is significant and raises concerns about the potential impact on vulnerable populations who might be affected by these decisions as the timeline approaches June 2026.