(D) The reception and identification procedure In the scope of reception and identification procedures, third country nationals undergo screening for the purpose of verifying their identity and nationality, detection of vulnerabilities and medical needs, and referral to asylum procedures or procedures for return. The reception and identification procedure is divided into five distinct stages in the law (Art. 3844, 4939/2022): During the Information phase (Art. 39, 4939/2022), applicants are informed by the competent authorities, in a language they can be reasonably expected to understand and in an accessible manner, of their rights and obligations during the reception phase, their transfer to other structures, their option to apply for international protection, their rights and obligations during the asylum procedure, the terms and conditions of the RIC’s operations, and their right to appeal the decision to restrict their freedom (Art. 40(b), 4939/2022). In the Processing phase (Art. 40, 4939/2022), persons undergo reception and identification procedures while being subject to restrictions on their freedom, by a decision of the RIC Director. Such a decision should be issued within five days after their entry to the RIC. If the procedures have not been completed after the five day period, the Director may decide to extend restrictions on liberty for an additional period, not exceeding in total 25 days after the person’s entry to the RIC. A person whose freedom has been restricted may raise objections against their deprivation of liberty to the relevant courts. Applicants for international protection may remain inside the RIC for as long as the examination of their claim lasts, provided this does not exceed 25 days. The Registration and Medical Examination (Art. 41, 4939/2022) phase includes recording of personal information, including registering the fingerprints of all persons over the age of 14; verification of identity and citizenship; a medical check and provision of necessary healthcare and psychosocial support; and ensuring that specialised care and protection is provided to those who belong to vulnerable groups. During Referral to the Asylum Procedure (Art. 42, 4939/2022), persons wishing to apply for asylum are referred to competent authorities within the RIC. Registration of applications and full interviews may be carried out within facilities in the RIC, where confidentiality is ensured. Processing of applications may be prioritised within the RIC if they are inter alia deemed manifestly unfounded or from applicants who come from safe countries of origin. During Further Referral and Transfer (Art. 43, 4939/2022), the Director of the RIC may refer persons who have received rejection decisions or those who have not applied for international protection and do not have a legal residence permit in Greece, to procedures for readmission or deportation; applicants whose applications have not yet been decided on may be transferred to an “appropriate structure for their temporary reception”. 15