Special report on return of third country nationals (2017)

Αn increase of 60% of the numbers of administrative detention of aliens, that is not reflected in a respective increase in the number of persons returned in 2017, has been noted by the Greek Ombudsman in a new special report. In the Institution’s fourth annual report “Returns of third country nationals-2017”, the Ombudsman also notes a certain improvement in applying means of restraint in the return and readmission to Turkey procedures. However, the problems of not providing timely information and interpretation facilities to the detainees concerning their removal operation as well as the lack of a standard verification of the health status of all returnees persist. At a European level, the Institution expresses its skepticism as to announcements of efficiency of the system of returns without introducing also safeguards of fundamental rights.

View report