Digitalisation is often lauded as a stepping stone into the future. Unsurprisingly, many European countries, including Greece, have incrementally digitalised government services, including those pertaining to asylum. This means that the initial contact with the Greek Asylum Service (GAS) has to be made digitally (first via Skype, now through an online form); updates about the application are sent via email; and supporting documents must be uploaded on a slow platform which is prone to malfunctions, just to name a few aspects of the process that have been digitalised. As a result, communication with the Greek asylum authorities necessitates a digital device, a functioning internet connection and digital literacy: a triad many asylum seekers do not possess. 

Irrespective of the fundamental challenges that arise with eliminating many in-person services for the vast majority of asylum seekers, the Greek government has not provided the necessary infrastructure to enable effective and speedy access to asylum procedures. This includes a lack of resources such as printer ink, up-to-date digital software and sufficient personnel for the GAS. Moreover, many asylum seekers lack the necessary tools to navigate the digital asylum process, like access to free wifi, a computer, and digital literacy training. 

This paper demonstrates how the alleged modernisation of the Greek asylum system is actually making matters worse, primarily for asylum seekers, but also for the organisations dedicated to supporting them. The system as it currently stands has hindered access to the vital procedure which is a necessary prerequisite for legalising the status of those on the move. Through digital means, the Greek government is thus obstructing the right to asylum, the cornerstone of refugee protection. 

A collaboration between Sciences Po’s project collective and Equal Legal Aid in the 2021-22 academic year. We would like to thank all the organisations that contributed to this report, Maud Bachelet, Meredith McCain, Xenia Chan, Lara Kühnle, Christina Sullivan, Priscille Duflos and Milou Borsotti for their work, and finally the collective MiDi of Sciences Po that supported our research.