Suspension of Return Decision for Minor Foreigner by Administrative Court

The suspension of the return of a minor foreign national and the order to issue an International Protection Card underline the importance of immediate legal intervention in sensitive asylum cases.

A recent interim court ruling in Greece highlights the importance of judicial protection in asylum cases involving minors. The suspension of a return decision and the order for issuance of an International Protection Card demonstrate how timely legal action can safeguard fundamental rights.

Court Grants Suspension of Return

Our application for suspension, submitted before the Administrative Court of First Instance of Thessaloniki, was accepted.

The Court ordered the suspension of the return of a minor foreign national, whose asylum application had previously been rejected.

At the same time, the Administration was ordered to issue an International Protection Card, ensuring the minor’s lawful stay in Greece pending further examination.

Legal Importance of the Decision

Protection of vulnerable individuals

Cases involving minors require heightened legal scrutiny, especially where return or removal measures are involved.

The Court’s decision reflects the need to safeguard:

• The best interests of the child

• Access to education and social integration

• Protection from premature or unlawful removal

Judicial control over administrative actions

This case illustrates that administrative decisions, particularly in asylum procedures, are subject to judicial review.

Timely legal intervention can:

• Suspend enforcement measures

• Prevent deportation or return

• Secure interim legal status

Background of the Case

The minor was residing in a shelter for minors and was actively attending a Greek school, factors that were taken into consideration in the legal handling of the case.

Such elements often play a crucial role in assessing the proportionality and legality of return decisions.

Immigration and Asylum Legal Services

Our Greek law office provides legal assistance to refugees and migrants in Greece, with respect for their fundamental rights and legal protections.

Areas of practice

We provide legal assistance in a wide range of immigration and asylum law matters in Greece, including:

• Applications for residence permits, as well as renewals and status regularisation procedures

• Asylum claims and full legal representation throughout all stages of the process

• Administrative appeals and judicial review of negative decisions issued by authorities

• Legal protection against deportation, removal, or return orders

• Defence in cases involving administrative detention of foreign nationals

• Drafting and filing of legal submissions before competent administrative and judicial bodies

• Issuance, renewal, and correction of travel documents and passports for foreign nationals

• Family reunification procedures under applicable immigration law provisions

• Applications for Greek citizenship through naturalisation and related legal support

• Residence permits for investment purposes, including Golden Visa schemes

We also provide:

• Legal support for deposition procedures before Administrative Courts

• Representation before the Appeals Authority and competent committees

Representative Case Outcomes in Immigration Law

You may explore a selection of our case outcomes in Immigration and Asylum Law, reflecting our approach to complex and sensitive cases.

Selected Case Highlights

• Successful Residence Permit Granted for Spouse of a Greek Citizen

• Release Achieved for Our Principal Following Immigration Proceedings

• Legal Residence Status Secured for Our Principal in Greece

• Prevention of Deportation Successfully Achieved for Our Client