TIMELINE: The online platform for asylum registrations
13 JULY 2022
A new online platform for booking appointments to register asylum claims at
the mainland RICs is established, available in nine languages
1 SEPTEMBER 2022
Registrations begin at the RICs of Malakasa and Diavata but issues with the
platform are immediately reported, including unavailability of appointments
and long waiting times up to 14 months¹⁸
16 NOVEMBER 2022
The Greek authorities make a commitment to the European Commission to
add an option to self-declare a need for material reception conditions in the
online platform, add missing languages including French, and implement a
“central referral pathway for vulnerabilities”¹⁹
25 APRIL 2023
The European Commission requests²⁰ an update from the Greek authorities
regarding the possibility to flag a need for material reception conditions in the
online platform; the authorities respond that due to “technical difficulties” the
RIS has not been able to complete this change²¹
4 MAY 2023
The MoMA announces²² the suspension of all operations of the GAS due to an
upgrade of its computer system; the online platform for asylum applications
becomes unavailable the following day, leaving applicants in limbo with no
information on when it will be reinstated
10 JUNE 2023
The staff of the GAS release a statement²³ highlighting the dire impact of the
database shutdown on both asylum seekers and GAS workers, calling on the
Ministry to immediately restore all asylum processes in Greece
21 JUNE 2023
CSOs release a joint statement²⁴ calling for the immediate reinstatement of the
online platform and other vital functions of the GAS
21 AUGUST 2023
The MoMA reinstates the online platform after three and half months out of
action,²⁵ with some additional languages including Georgian and Lingala but
still missing French, presenting a significant barrier for applicants from some
African countries including DRC and Cameroon
13
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