The authorities that gave you protection might cancel your refugee or subsidiary status in the following cases:

  • If a person is no longer considered a refugee: This means that you are no longer in need of protection because, for example, you have been persecuted by the previous government, but the current government is not persecuting political opponents and you are no longer in danger, or the war has ended, etc. 
  • If a person should have been excluded from refugee status: This means that there are serious reasons to be considered that the person has committed a crime against peace, a war crime a crime against humanity ora serious non-political crime (e.g. kidnapping, extortion, trafficking etc) before entering the Greek territory.
  • If a person used false information or withheld information: This includes false documents to acquire refugee or subsidiary status.
  • If someone is seen as a potential danger to national security or poses a threat to society: If someone is convicted of a serious crime (e.g. child abduction, rape, robbery, serious bodily harm etc), the authorities may think about taking away their refugee status. The authorities should consider the type of crime and other factors.

Specifically for those who got refugee status (not for those with subsidiary protection), authorities might think about taking away international protection if the person went back to their home country or got in touch with the authorities there or your embassy in Greece.

If the authorities start a process to remove your status, they must tell you in writing why they're doing it. You also have the right to be heard before they make a decision. This means you should have the chance to explain in person or in writing why you still need international protection.

If the authorities decide to withdraw your status, you have the right to submit an administrative appeal within 30 days. In case of rejection, you have the right to lodge an Application for Annulment before the competent Administrative Court within 30 days, with the support of a lawyer.

Refugee.Info team advises contacting a lawyer or legal organization to receive concrete information and support. Please also note that you should update your contact information even after you receive international protection so that you will notified on time if the authorities consider withdrawing your status.