First Return Flight of Syrian Asylum Seekers from Athens to Damascus in 14 Years

The first return flight of Syrian asylum seekers from Athens to Damascus in 14 years took place on Wednesday. The flight was organized within the framework of the voluntary return and reintegration program (AVRR) of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

This initiative is part of a broader European approach to redefine countries of origin and promote organized returns, as several EU member states are reviewing their policies, citing the gradual stabilization of the situation in Syria.

In Greece, since the beginning of October, the issuance of rejection decisions for certain categories of Syrian asylum seekers has begun, according to an internal directive of the Asylum Service, under Director Marios Kaleas. Thanos Plevris, from the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, has prioritized the issue of returns, especially of Syrians and Afghans, seeking a unified approach and enhanced cooperation among member states.