Migration Policy: Deletion of NGOs if they Disagree with the Government

The responsible minister, Thanos Plevris, is pushing for the removal of NGOs that oppose the government’s migration policy from the official registry of the Ministry of Migration, according to a report by “Kathimerini.”

The reasons for deleting an NGO from the registry are as follows:

1. If it promotes positions against the official government migration policy, which foresees voluntary departure and repatriation.
2. If it takes legal action against decisions involving administrative sanctions and asylum suspension.
3. If it is proven that the funds received are not used for their intended purpose.

Deletion from the Ministry’s official registry does not mean the NGO is dissolved but terminates its access to migrant facilities.

According to a 2020 law, which established the NGO registry, only those registered—currently nearly 100—have access to migrant facilities. Therefore, the expulsion of an organization means it becomes “isolated,” significantly limiting its activities.

Although the proposal is presented as a way to ensure the quality and effectiveness of NGOs, it reveals a dangerous tendency to limit voices critical of government policies.

According to the same report, the strict migration policy so far seems to be producing desired results for the government. In the last 45 days, 1,300 migrants entered the country, compared to up to 700 per day previously, with government measures not eliminating flows but significantly reducing them.