https://migration.gov.gr/en/statistika/; and MoMA, Statistics, Consolidated Reports - Overview: December 2024 - International Protection | Appendix A, available in Greek at: https://tinyurl.com/yvd7454p, table 4. 1.1. Temporary accommodation centres In 2016, in order to address the needs of persons remaining in Greece after the imposition of border restrictions along the so-called Western Balkan route, a number of temporary camps were created on the mainland in order to increase accommodation capacity. Article 10 of L. 4375/2016999 provided a legal basis for the establishment of different accommodation facilities. In addition to Reception and Identification Centres,1000 the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Internal Affairs may, by joint decision, establish open Temporary Reception Facilities for Asylum Applicants (Δομές Προσωρινής Υποδοχής Αιτούντων Διεθνή Προστασία),1001 as well as open Temporary Accommodation Facilities (Δομές Προσωρινής Φιλοξενίας) for persons subject to return procedures or whose return has been suspended.1002 Lastly, and amongst others, as per the amendments brought forth by L. 4686/2020, the Ministers of Finance, of Citizen Protection and of Migration & Asylum can decide on the establishment of Closed Temporary Reception Centres and Closed-Controlled Island Centres for asylum applicants subject to a detention order, for asylum applicants or persons subject to a return procedure or whose removal has been suspended, provided that restrictive conditions have been imposed on them. 1003 As per the same amendment, Reception and Identification Centres (RICs), Closed Temporary Reception Structures, PreRemoval Detention Centres (PRDCs), as well as separate areas with appropriate specifications for the accommodation of third country nationals or stateless persons belonging to vulnerable groups can operate within the aforementioned Closed Temporary Reception Centres and Closed-Controlled Island Centres. As of 24 March 2020, following the issuance of a relevant Joint Ministerial Decision of the Ministers of Finance and of Migration & Asylum,1004 all temporary accommodation centres (i.e., mainland camps) and emergency facilities (i.e., hotels) have been regulated. Before that, the only three facilities officially established on the mainland were Elaionas,1005 Schisto and Diavata,1006 with the rest operating without an official manager, through Site Management & Support. As of May 2020, following a decision issued by the Minister of Migration and Asylum,1007 Directors were assigned for a period of a year, renewable for up to an additional two years, to the entire island, RICs and the temporary mainland accommodation centres. In the same month, as per Joint Ministerial Decisions issued by the Ministers of Environment and Energy, of Internal Affairs and of Migration and Asylum, the locations and the construction of the new island RICs on Leros (“Ormos Lakki” location, with a surface area of 25,514.09 m2), Samos (“Zervou” location, with a surface area of 244,789.34 m2) and Kos (“Mesovouni” location, with a surface area of 25,514.09 m2) were decided.1008 1.2. The islands and accommodation in the hotspots Immediately after the launch of the EU-Türkiye Statement on 20 March 2016, Reception and Identification Centres (RIC) – the so-called “hotspot” facilities – were transformed into closed detention facilities due to a practice of blanket detention of all newly arrived persons.1009 Following criticism by national and 999 1000 1001 1002 1003 1004 1005 1006 1007 1008 1009 As in force after replacement with Article 29 of L. 4825/2021 regarding reform of deportation and returns procedures, attraction of investors and digital nomads, issues of residence permits and of procedures for granting international protection, provisions of the competence of the MoMA and of the Ministry of Citizen Protection and other urgent provisions. Article 10(1)-(2) L 4375/2016. The article has not been abolished by the IPA and remains the same. Article 10(4) L 4375/2016. The article has not been abolished by the IPA and remains the same. Article 10(5) L 4375/2016. The article has not been abolished by the IPA and remains the same. Article 30 (4) and (5) L. 4686/2020 amending Articles 8 and 10 of L. 4375/2016 respectively. JMD 2945/2020 on the ‘Establishment of Temporary Reception Structures for Third-Country Nationals or Stateless Persons who have applied for international protection’, Gov. Gazette 1016/Β/24-3-2020. JMD 3/5262, ‘Establishment of the Open Facility for the hospitality of asylum seekers and persons belonging to vulnerable groups in Elaionas Attica Region’, 18 September 2015, Gov. Gazette B2065/18.09.2015; JMD 3.2/6008 ‘Establishment of the Open Facility for the temporary reception of applicant of international protection’, 18 September 2015, Gov. Gazette B’ 1940/6.06.2017. JMD 3/14762, ‘Establishment of Open Facilities for the Temporary Hospitality of applicant for international protection’, Gov. Gazette Β’ 3720/16.11.2016. Ministerial decision 4512/19.05.2020 of the Minister of Migration and Asylum, Gov. Gazette Government Gazette, Volume of Special Position Employees and Administration Bodies of the Public Sector and the Broader Public Sector Agencies, no.381/23-05-2021. JMD 4712, 4711 and 5099, Gov. Gazette 2043/Β/30-5-2020. AIDA, Country Report Greece: 2016 Update, March 2017, available at: https://bit.ly/3J8Qw23, p.100 et seq. 190