Since the entry into force of the IPA, the time limit for lodging an appeal against a decision in the accelerated procedure is 20 days,657 as opposed to 30 days in the regular procedure. The Appeals Committee must reach a decision on the appeal within 20 days of the examination. 658 Appeals in the accelerated procedure in principle do not have automatic suspensive effect (see Suspensive Effect).659 The Appeals Committee decides on appeals in the accelerated procedure and on appeals against manifestly unfounded applications in single-judge format.660 In 2024, 3,674 negative decisions were issued at second instance - rejected as manifestly unfounded (safe country of origin).661 6.4. Legal assistance Indicators: Accelerated Procedure: Legal Assistance Same as regular procedure 1. Do asylum applicants have access to free legal assistance at first instance in practice? Yes With difficulty No ❖ Does free legal assistance cover: Representation in interview Legal advice 2. Do asylum applicants have access to free legal assistance on appeal against a decision in practice? Yes With difficulty No ❖ Does free legal assistance cover Representation in courts Legal advice The same legal provisions and practice apply to both the regular and the accelerated procedure (see Regular Procedure: Legal Assistance). 7. National protection statuses and return procedure 7.1. National forms of protection There is no specific national protection status in Greece for persons entering the Greek territory without a valid visa. However, under strict conditions, Law 5038/2023 provides for certain residence permits that may be granted to persons residing irregularly in Greece. These permits are intended for narrowly defined vulnerable groups with specific needs and are regulated primarily under Article 134 of Law 5038/2023. Article 134(1) establishes the possibility of granting residence permits on humanitarian grounds to spouses of Greek nationals in cases of separation of cohabitation, to individuals recognised for acts of social goodwill, to victims of labour accidents, victims of domestic violence, victims of crimes with racist characteristics, as well as victims of criminal acts. Paragraph 134(2a) provides for residence permits for victims of human trafficking, whereas paragraph 134(2b) concerns victims of abusive labor conditions. The protection of minors is addressed in paragraph 134(4a αα) for minors incapable of managing their affairs, paragraph 134(4a αγ) for minors placed in foster families, paragraph 134(4a αβ) for minors under guardianship, and paragraph 134(4b) for minors residing in institutions. Furthermore, paragraph 134(1) extends to persons undergoing therapeutic programs for mental dependency. The residence permit for extraordinary reasons, which was previously regulated under Article 134(5) of Law 5038/2023 and available to individuals residing irregularly in Greece for over seven years, was abolished by Article 29 of the recent legislative draft (σχέδιο νόμου),662 except for applicants who are parents of Greek citizens. This permit was not available for recent arrivals and thus did not serve as a legalisation mechanism for newly entered irregular migrants. 657 658 659 660 661 662 Article 97(1)(b) Asylum Code. Article 106(1)(b) Asylum Code. Article 110(2)(e) Asylum Code, citing Article 88 (9) & (10) Asylum Code. Article 116(7) IPA that remains in force according to Article 148(a) Asylum Code. MoMA statistics, Consolidated Reports - Overview: December 2023 - International Protection | Appendix A, available here, table 8b, 8. 17 July 2025, available at: https://www.opengov.gr/immigration/?p=1844. 131