The first flight in 14 years from Athens to Damascus of Syrians who had requested asylum took place on Wednesday.

The flight was organized under the International Organization for Migration (IOM) voluntary return and reintegration (AVRR) program and included people who had applied to return to Syria voluntarily.

The process is part of a broader European approach to redefining countries of origin and promoting organized, safe returns as several European Union member states are reviewing their policies, citing the gradual stabilization of the situation in Syria.

Already in Greece, since the beginning of October, the issuance of rejection decisions for certain categories of Syrian asylum seekers has begun, according to an internal directive of the Asylum Service, under Administrator Marios Kaleas.

As noted by the Ministry of Immigration and Asylum, Thanos Plevris has highlighted to his European counterparts the issue of returns – especially of Syrians and Afghans – as a priority, seeking a unified line and enhanced cooperation between member states.