ANNUAL POLICY REPORT 2012 On October 1, replying to a question of the Decentralized Administrations of the country in relation to cases of nationals of third countries who, although they have residence permit for family reunification reasons, they reside outside the Greek territory, the Directorate of Migration Policy of the Ministry of Interior replied that, undoubtedly, if there is evidence that they reside permanently abroad (eg relevant documents issued by Greek or foreign authorities, arrivals and departures resulting from passports, non-registration of children in Greek schools, confirmed complaints etc.), any request for a renewal should be rejected as unfair and contrary to the applicable law. In cases of valid residence permits, services shall withdraw them and invite applicants to provide the necessary clarifications61. 3.3 Students and Researchers The proportion of students from third countries who are living and studying in higher education institutions in Greece remains small compared with this proportion in other m-s. The last years, however, there are efforts to attract students and researchers from third countries, and Greek authorities have implemented a number of good practices in this direction: a) The establishment of the International University of Greece (2005) that includes Schools of Humanities, Economics and Management Sciences and Technology. With its establishment and operation on the one hand it seeks to increase the participation of Greece in the international higher education market and on the other, to attract students from neighboring countries mainly (Balkan, Arab, South East Mediterranean and Black Sea) and the Diaspora. As teaching language English has been chosen, in order to encourage and facilitate access. b) Grant of scholarships for all fields of higher education either from government agencies (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport, State Scholarship Foundation), or directly from Universities, NGOs such as the Alexander Onassis Foundation and other non-state actors for students from third countries. It should be emphasized that a significant number of government scholarships is awarded to implement cultural agreements (ratified by law) and Executive Educational Programs that have been agreed upon and signed by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Education with third countries. The selection of students for the proposed studies in Greece is done by the countries of origin while taking into account the needs of countries of origin. c) International Bilateral Agreements and memoranda of cooperation between educational institutions. This international bilateral agreements and memorandums of understanding signed between the Greek Universities and Technological Institutes and Institutions of non-member states of the EU, in order to exchange students, exchange of expertise and closer cooperation 61 Min.Int. AP oik 29054/01.10.2012: "Application of PD No 131/2006 (Government Gazette 143A ') "Harmonization of the Greek legislation with Directive 2003/86/EC on the right to family reunification." Clarifications. 28