Greek Migration and Asylum Minister Thanos Plyris confirmed that the government is examining a legislative ban on the burkha. Speaking in Parliament’s plenary session, Plyris stated: “We are still in the assessment phase. I cannot provide a precise timeline or the scope of the proposed regulation at this stage. I will be ready to share details in the coming period. Currently, we are reviewing the regulatory frameworks applied in other countries, as well as relevant case law.”
International Approaches Informing the Debate
Plyris noted that different European countries adopt varying approaches — some prohibit full-face veils in schools, others extend the ban to public spaces or public transport. “We are comprehensively assessing these models, and a clear position will follow shortly,” he added.
Low Prevalence, Complex Context
In response to an urgent question from Stefanos Fotopoulos, MP of Greek Solution, Plyris referenced findings from a recent survey conducted by Deputy Migration and Asylum Minister Sevi Voloudaki. The survey indicated that burkha-wearing is rare among the Muslim population residing in Greece. “Only a few girls living in minors’ shelters or semi-autonomous housing wear the burkha — and many of them do so under pressure, fearing harassment or targeting by men if they choose otherwise,” he explained.
New EU Returns Regulation Approved
Plyris also announced that the European Commission has approved a new EU Returns Regulation — one that incorporates Greece’s initiative, alongside proposals from four other member states — enabling the establishment of return centres for irregular migrants outside the EU, including in Africa.
“The regulation passed without support from left-wing parties in the European Parliament. I’ll be watching closely to see PASOK’s stance when the text reaches the Hellenic Parliament,” he said.
Expanding Asylum Criteria
The minister further highlighted a growing European consensus — influenced by Greece’s advocacy — to broaden asylum evaluation criteria beyond country-of-origin conditions. Increasingly, gender and age are being considered as key factors in determining protection needs.
“If Iranian women arrived tomorrow, everyone would agree they face persecution. But when men from Afghanistan or Sudan arrive — often of conscription age — we ask how it’s possible that only men flee war-torn countries, while women, children, and the elderly remain. Thankfully, this is changing. More and more countries now acknowledge that gender and age must be part of the asylum assessment process,” Plyris concluded.