Whether an ethnic Greek of Albanian nationality who was granted Convention refugee status in Greece continues to enjoy such status if he or she has been outside of Greece for the past seven years; whether he or she would have the right of return to Greece and, if so, what travel documents would be required (1999-February 2000)

Both the UNHCR, in a letter dated 8 February 2000, and CIC, in a letter dated 9 February 2000, make a distinction between aliens of ethnic Greek origin and other aliens. According to the UNHCR, "Albanians of Greek ethnic origin were not granted asylum in Greece, but rather a special status accorded to ethnic Greeks coming from third countries" (8 Feb. 2000). This information was confirmed by CIC:

Cases of Ethnic Greeks of Albanian origin fall under special regulations and are never treated as refugees. However, the individuals that are granted refugee status are provided with Refugee Travel Documents which give them the possibility to travel outside Greece. The refugee status granted is not cancelled or taken away if the individual decides to stay outside the country for a long period of time as long as he/she renews the Refugee Travel Document through the Greek Consulate in the country of residence. A valid Refugee Travel Document is the only requirement for his/her return to Greece.

According to the Office handling cases of Ethnic Greeks of Albanian origin in the Ministry of Public Order … individuals in this category are provided with 'Special Identification Cards for Homogeneous (non‑native born Greeks)'. The issuance of this card has been recently put in effect, is issued by the Local Police Stations, is valid for three years and is renewed by the Local Police Stations only (not by or through Greek Consulates). The card gives the right to the bearers to stay and work in Greece; it has been acknowledged by Schengen countries as a travel document as well and can be used as such by its bearers when they travel within these countries for a period of max. three months. In case the bearer wishes to travel to any other non‑Schengen country, he/she must have a valid Albanian passport and obtain the appropriate visas (if needed in the country of destination).

In case the Ethnic Greek remains outside Greece for a long period of time (over three years) he loses the right to renew the card and should upon return to Greece apply at the Local Police Station in order to be granted again the right to the Special Identification Card. However, his case is not treated as an altogether new one since a previous file exists. In order for a 'Special Identification Card for Homogeneous' to be obtained, the applicant should submit:

‑Valid Albanian passport

‑Visa from the Greek Consulate (of the country of residence) to enter Greece

‑Certificate of family status

‑Birth certificate

‑Any additional certificates that can prove the applicant's connection with Greece.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), Ottawa. 9 February 2000. Correspondence from IRB Liaison Unit.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Branch Office in Greece, Athens. 8 February 2000. Correspondence from Protection Officer.