Immigrants residing in territory reduced by 52% compared to 2021

Arrival flows and asylum applications for 2022 appear to have increased compared to 2021, according to data from the Ministry of Immigration and Asylum. At the same time, however, during this period, there was a decrease in the number of asylum seekers residing in the structures of the territory, an increase in voluntary departures and a decrease in the backlog of asylum.

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Arrival flows and asylum applications for 2022 appear to have increased compared to 2021, according to data from the Ministry of Immigration and Asylum. At the same time, however, during this period, there was a decrease in the number of asylum seekers residing in the structures of the territory, an increase in voluntary departures and a decrease in the backlog of asylum.

Specifically, arrivals in 2022 were 17,122, which increased by 96% compared to 2021 (8,745). However, it is pointed out that overall the reduction in arrivals from 2019 to 2022 is of the order of 76%.

At the same time, the transfers from the islands to the mainland during December 2022 are shown to have increased by 211% compared to December 2021. The percentage of the number of asylum seekers residing in the structures (hospitality centres, reception centres and apartments) in the territory, with the decrease in December 2022 reaching 52% compared to December 2021.

Regarding voluntary and forced returns to third countries and relocations, a total of 8,696 departures took place in 2022, with 854 departures taking place in December 2022. There is also a 40% increase in voluntary departures comparing 2022 to 2021.

According to the December 2022 information note, the total number of applications submitted to the Asylum Service in December amounted to 4,831, an increase of 112% compared to the corresponding month in 2021.

Out of a total of 37,362 asylum applications submitted in the twelve months of 2022, the majority of asylum seekers come from Afghanistan (15.1%), Syria (13.5%), Pakistan (12.2%), Palestine ( 7.8%) and Iraq (7.1%).

Overall, 78% are men, and 22% are women. 26% concern minors, while 3,175 requests were submitted by unaccompanied children (Somalia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Egypt and Bangladesh, their main nationalities).

In addition, there is a significant reduction in the total backlog of A’ and B’ asylum cases. Comparing data from December 2021 and that of 2022 shows a total reduction of pending cases by 44%.

In December 2022, 755,806 legally resident immigrants and refugees were registered. Of these, 29% are EU citizens and expatriates, 63% are citizens of third countries with valid residence permits, and 8% are beneficiaries of international protection with active residence permits.

The total permanent investor residence permits (initial and renewals) valid in December 2022 amount to 11,432. 9,802 (86%) concern initial grants, and 1,630 (14%) concern renewals. The main country of origin of investors in Greece is China (62.8%), followed by citizens of Turkey (6.4%) and Lebanon (4.5%).

Regarding Ukrainian refugees, it is noted that up to 31/12/2022, a total of 22,863 online applications have been submitted, and 21,532 temporary protection permits have been issued, of which 69% concern women and 31% men.