Asylum procedures for unaccompanied minors

Back to: The Greek Asylum System and its Functions

Who is an unaccompanied minor?

A minor, under 18 years of age

• who arrives on the territory of Greece unaccompanied by the adult responsible for him/her according to the Greek law, and for as long as he/she is not effectively taken into the care of such a person; or
• who is left unaccompanied after he/she has entered the territory of Greece.

In case of an unaccompanied minor, the authorities must immediately inform the competent public prosecutor.

The Public Prosecutor will appoint a representative (guardian) who will be responsible for the minor and will defend his/her interests. The appointed representative is responsible for applying for international protection for unaccompanied minors under 15 years of age, while minors over 15 years of age may submit the application themselves.

The authorities have to care for the protection and the accommodation of unaccompanied mirrors in suitable facilities. The Asylum Service will determine a date for the interview and the minor will receive the international protection applicant’s card (valid for up to six months).

The minor will be informed by his/her representative concerning the interview. The representative will be invited for the interview. Both the minor and his/her representative must be informed regarding this procedure and the minor or his/her representative must consent.

If a member of a minor’s family is legally present in a “Dublin III” country, this country is responsible for the examination of his/her application.