Persisting severe reception deficiencies in understaffed camps
Official 2024 statistics
Key official data on the reception of asylum seekers in Greece during the first half of 2024 have been disclosed through statistics recently released as part of parliamentary scrutiny and published today by Refugee Support Aegean (RSA). These statistics refer to 30 June 2024.
The data, which pertain to all structures on the mainland and the East Aegean islands, indicate that a total of 18,412 people were residing in these structures on 30 June 2024. Notably, 18% of the residents (totaling 3,312 people) are living there without receiving material reception conditions such as food or financial assistance. In some facilities, this percentage is significantly higher—for example, 36% in Lesvos, 35% in Koutsochero, 34% in Thiva, 32% in Schisto, and 31% in Polykastro.
It is important to note that Greek legislation mandates the provision of financial assistance to all asylum seekers residing within the country’s reception system. However, in practice, many do not receive this assistance or experience significant delays, despite being eligible. According to the data, on 30 June 2024, out of 15,100 eligible individuals residing in camps, only 6,505 were receiving financial assistance, while 8,595 were not, resulting in a receipt rate of just 43%.
On 30 June 2024, 4,834 minors were residing in refugee camps, making up 26% of the total population. Some camps had a significantly higher percentage of minors relative to their overall population. For example: Samos housed 679 children, comprising 30% of the population; Schisto had 204 children, making up 33%; Thiva had 151 children, representing 36%; Kyllini had 104 children, or 39%; Filippiada had 151 children, equaling 33%; and Vagiochori had 185 children, accounting for 48% of the population.
Furthermore, the data shows that women make up a significant portion of the refugee camp population, accounting for 34%, or 6,266 out of 18,412 individuals.
We would also like to highlight that the data provided by the Minister of Migration and Asylum as part of the parliamentary review, and which we are presenting today, is outdated in relation to the number of vulnerable individuals in the facilities. Specifically, the table included appears to be an exact copy of one provided several months ago, with a reference date of 31/12/2023. As a result, no current data or conclusions can be drawn about the vulnerable populations in these structures or the adequacy of their needs being met.
The majority of asylum seekers in the structures continue to come from conflict-ridden countries, challenging the frequently debunked narrative that they are solely economic migrants. Notably, the largest group is Afghan (27%), followed by Syrian (23%).
Finally, the data also cover staffing in the camps, highlighting persistent staffing and operational challenges. Notably, only 29 doctors are employed across all camps, averaging just one doctor per 635 people among the 18,412 residents. Furthermore, 13 of the 32 camps, including some housing hundreds or even thousands of residents on 30 June 2024, such as Samos (2,255 residents), Kos (1,263 residents) and Katsikas (789 residents), have no doctors at all. Camps without doctors at all include Samos, Kos, Chios, Corinth, Kyllini, Pyrgos, Volos, Serres, Katsikas, Filippiada, Alexandria, Vagiochori, and Sintiki.
In terms of staffing, most camps have either one or no psychologist, midwife, or social worker. The nursing staff is also critically insufficient, with only 92 nurses across all structures, averaging just one nurse for every 200 residents.
There is also a severe shortage of interpreters, with only 69 available across all structures, resulting in one interpreter for every 267 people. This is particularly inadequate given the need for multiple languages in each camp. For instance, 20 out of 32 structures have one or no interpreter.
You can find all the detailed data, as provided by the Minister of Migration and Asylum to Parliament for the parliamentary review with a reference date of 30 June 2024, here:
https://www.hellenicparliament.gr/Koinovouleftikos-Elenchos/Mesa-Koinovouleutikou-Elegxou?pcm_id=f2260914-1be3-4d93-b8c5-b1b700cc9cfa
