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In the case of unaccompanied minors, the National Mechanism for the Identification and Protection of Unaccompanied Minors of the Ministry of Immigration and Asylum is activated to transfer the children to special emergency accommodation facilities; thereafter, the relevant identification (if necessary) and guardianship procedure is followed.

Contact Information:

Telephones: Landline: 0030 2132128888 and mobile phone number: +30 6942773030, accessible through WhatsApp and Viber applications.

Emailssuam.tracing@migration.gov.gr

Operational hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 - 22:00 and Saturday, 11:00 - 19:00

 

Safety

As soon as one child presents him/herself at a police station, the Police will inform EKKA (National Center for Social Solidarity) and the General Secretary of Unaccompanied Minors (GSUM) about the presence of an Unaccompanied Child (minors).

They will try to find a place in a safe zone, shelter or hotel. Unfortunately, this procedure can last for a long period. During this time, yes, the child will most probably remain at the police station. The exact duration of stay at the police station will vary.

Furthermore, if the child has no documents, they might be detained following police control. However, EKKA, in collaboration with GSUM, will try to move the procedures faster, stay under “protective custody” for a short period, and transfer to accommodation facilities as soon as possible.

Young people travelling alone are particularly vulnerable. Here are some tips on how to stay safe and protect yourself from abusive people:

  • If you are travelling without your family but are in contact with them, keep them informed about your location.
  • Avoid moving around alone. It is better to be in a group.
  • Keep a list of important telephone numbers (for example, your family’s) with you. Memorize the most important ones.
  • If someone not wearing an ID card or a uniform from an aid organization offers you a job, transportation or shelter, be careful. His/her intentions might not be good. Always ask people for their names and what organizations they work for. Do not go with them by yourself.
  • Avoid staying in a private house alone, especially if no one knows you are there.
  • If someone is violent or threatening you, report it to the authorities or to an aid organization immediately. They can support you.
  • If the police wants to detain you, ask if you can speak to a social worker or a person working for an aid organization. If possible, ask the police to inform your family.

Steps to follow (if you are a homeless minor):

  1. You can present yourself at a police station, mentioning that you need a place to stay. The Police Station will inform the Special Secretary and try to find a place in a safe zone, shelter or hotel. Unfortunately, this procedure can last for a long period of time. During this time, the minor will probably remain at the police station. You can always present yourself in the open Social Services of an NGO and request for a social worker or a lawyer, or a caseworker to assist and support you during this process as well as to prepare a social referral or research to the Special Secretary.
  2. The duration of stay at the police station might vary.
  3. You can ask for legal support from an NGO.

Greek Council for Refugees: present yourself at their offices or call them If you are in Athens: Address: 25, Solomou str., 10682, Phone: +30 210 3800990-1 If you are in Thessaloniki: Address: 9, Danaidon str., 54626

METADRASI: With the help of an interpreter, you can make questions, get information and advises.

You can:

  • contact at emergency@metadrasi.org
  • call at (+30) 214 100 87 00 (extension 282)
  • send your requests at the number/Viber/WhatsApp (+30) 6908091433

Network For Children's Rights: Reach their offices at Alkamenous 11b, Larissa Station Zip Code 104 39 or call at 0030 210 88 46 590

 

Accommodation

If you're under 18 and alone in Greece, finding a safe place to stay can be very hard. A safe accommodation can be a shelter or a safe zone in a camp.

The Special Secretary for the Protection of the Unaccompanied Minors manages the waiting list for accommodation for people under 18. The waiting list is long, and many people under 18 still do not have shelter.

To get on the waiting list, you need to get a referral. Your referral can come from a Greek Asylum Service office, a Reception and Identification Center, the police (if you are in detention or protective custody), a public prosecutor, or a national or international NGO.