Recommendations The above findings demonstrate that the reception system in mainland camps is characterised by a generalized lack of access to reception conditions for asylum seekers. This stems from the combined effects of insufficient staffing of camps, failure to grant financial allowances to most eligible applicants, poor connection of camps to urban services, and lack of measures to support integration of those who receive international protection. As a result, this system does not meet the minimum legal standards on dignified living of people seeking protection in Greece, creates serious obstacles in the asylum procedure and the fair and efficient processing of their claims, generates critical psychosocial effects and discourages their integration into Greek society. These factors contribute to a picture of the camps as a “closed system” whereby reception is instrumentalised as a means of deterrence of refugees from seeking protection in Greece. Drawing on the above observations, RSA firmly opposes the current Greek strategy of mass accommodation camps, isolated and distanced from society. We call for the full reinstatement of the model of decentralised, urban reception of asylum seekers, as tested and implemented through the ESTIA programme, with full use of available EU and domestic funding options and with buy-in from local authorities throughout the Greek territory. Until a policy of dignified, decentralised housing is achieved, existing camps may solely be considered as a means to support first reception of newly arrived asylum seekers under strict conditions, namely: 1. Temporariness: Residence in camps should be short. Policies that unjustifiably prolong the period of applicants’ stay e.g. application of the “safe third country” concept should be ceased. 2. Connectivity: Residence should have effective access to local communities and to urban services. The financial allowance should be granted immediately and without interruption from the moment the asylum application is made. 3. Transition: Applicants should have integration prospects during their stay in the camps. Access to the labour market should be promoted. The HELIOS programme should be restructured based on ESTIA standards and include asylum seekers to truly support transition into local communities. RSA REPORT │ REFUGEE CAMPS IN MAINLAND GREECE | JUN 2024 27