A group of 25 NGOs operating in Greece to aid in handling the migrant crisis claim that thousands of asylum seekers are being denied the chance to join the country's workforce because of red tape issues and lengthy processes.
Many asylum seekers stranded in Greece face problems with being issued a social security number and a tax identification code. Both would allow asylum seekers to look for work and have access to public healthcare while waiting for applications to be processed. In an open letter addressed to the Syriza-led government, the NGOs launched a critical attack on the country's authorities, stating that they have received many complaints from migrants who have been denied these documents either completely or have been asked to produce impossible documents that could only be provided by state services in their home countries.
'Fundamental rights of asylum seekers are violated'
The statement was signed by organizations such as Solidarity Now, Doctors Without Borders, Hellenic Refugee Forum, Hellenic Immigration Forum, Hellenic Council for Refugees, and Save the Children, among others. It states that delays in completing the filing process of the application for international protection has "set off a chain reaction that results in claimants being deprived of their fundamental rights."
"The government must intervene to harmonize administrative practices with existing legislation and extend all rights to applicants with pre-registration status." The NGOs also underlined that the failure to meet the fundamental rights of asylum seekers and total lack of access to health or work structures "not only further exacerbates their physical, psychological and economic situation but also constitutes a direct violation of existing legislation."