Downer for State Secretary: The Netherlands may not return ‘Greek’ status holders | Inland

Outgoing State Secretary Ankie Broekers-Knol (Asylum Affairs) therefore has to make a new decision about these Syrian asylum seekers. She must better explain why those involved can return to Greece or she must process their asylum applications substantively, the Council of State said on Wednesday. Moreover, this applies not only to the two cases that were submitted to the highest administrative court, but also to other status holders who received a residence permit in Greece.

The situation for status holders in Greece, where many asylum seekers arrived in boats in recent years, has been difficult for years. In 2018, however, the Council of State stated that status holders could return, because their fundamental human rights were not being violated. Due to new information and reports, the Council now judges that the circumstances of beneficiaries may be bad. For example, they often have to leave the asylum reception quickly, but they cannot find a job and a home afterwards. Some live in appalling conditions and do not have access to basic necessities such as food, shelter or running water.

The state secretary says she will study the ruling. It is not clear exactly how many refugees recognized by Greece have knocked on the door in the Netherlands, according to a spokesperson.

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