Definitions

Από Greece Wiki

The legal definition of migrants in Greece is ambivalent and fragmented. The (legal) term ‘alien’ refers to all non-nationals but typically applies only to ‘third country nationals’ (i.e. non-EU). This includes the following categories:

- Documented immigrants are foreign nationals who reside and work in Greece legally holding a residence and work permit.

- Undocumented immigrants are foreign nationals who reside and work in Greece illegally, i.e. either without a residence and work permit or holding one that has expired.

- Asylum seekers are foreign nationals and their immediate dependants who applied, or have entered Greece with the intention to apply, for political asylum.

- Refugees are foreign nationals who reside and work in Greece legally having acquired the status of political refugee from the competent authorities.

In addition to the above, the following categories which apply specifically to ethnic Greek migrants, or migrants of Greek descent, exist:

- Repatriated ethnic Greeks (palinnostountes omogeneis) are nationals of the New Independent States of the former USSR of Greek ethnic descent who may apply for the acquisition of Greek citizenship.

- Migrant ethnic Greeks (omogeneis) are Albanian citizens of ethnic Greek descent, entitled to a special residence and work permit of three years duration.

Sources: Theodorides, N. & Dimitrakopoulos, I. N. (2004) RAXEN Analytical Report on Legislation, Greece. RAXEN National Focal Point Greece. Antigone Information and Documentation Centre. Vienna: EUMC.

Triandafyllidou, A. and Veikou, M. (2002) “The hierarchy of Greekness: ethnic and national identity considerations in Greek immigration policy”, Ethnicities, 2 (2): 189-208.

Τσιτσελίκης, Κ. (2006) «Θεσμικό πλαίσιο για τη μετανάστευση και την παλιννόστηση». Στο Ομάδα Εργασίας ΤΕΕ/ΤΚΜ, Στο Ομάδα Εργασίας ΤΕΕ/ΤΚΜ Αρχιτεκτονικοί και πολεοδομικοί μετασχηματισμοί στη Θεσσαλονίκη λόγω του φαινομένου της μετανάστευσης, Θεσσαλονίκη, κεφ. ΙΙ.