GR country scene

A.7 — Cooperating trafficking or smuggling victim

GreeceHumanitarian protection

Explore the five recorded questions, answers and sources for this pathway.

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What exactly is this: asylum, temporary protection, humanitarian admission, resettlement or another protection mechanism?

A residence permit (type A.7) for third-country-national victims of human trafficking or migrant smuggling, under Directive 2004/81/EC; victims first receive a 3-month reflection period, granted by the competent prosecutor, to escape the perpetrators' influence and decide on cooperation with the prosecuting authorities.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • Quoted from the original 2023 Migration Code (Law 5038/2023, FEK A 81); Law 5275/2026 amends art. 134 only in paras 1 and 4; other intermediate amendments not checked.

Which population, circumstances or geographic group does the mechanism cover?

Third-country nationals formally characterised as victims of human trafficking or migrant smuggling by act of the competent Public Prosecutor of First Instance.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • Quoted from the original 2023 Migration Code (Law 5038/2023, FEK A 81); Law 5275/2026 amends art. 134 only in paras 1 and 4; other intermediate amendments not checked.

Where can protection be requested, and is this a direct application, border/in-country request, referral or other process?

The application is filed in person or through the competent prosecutor. After (or before the end of) the reflection period, the prosecutor examines and reports whether extending the stay helps the investigation or criminal proceedings, whether the person has shown a clear will to cooperate, and whether the person has cut all ties with the alleged offenders.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • Quoted from the original 2023 Migration Code (Law 5038/2023, FEK A 81); Law 5275/2026 amends art. 134 only in paras 1 and 4; other intermediate amendments not checked.

What happens after the request: registration, family handling, major support and rights where officially stated?

A 3-month reflection period is granted by the prosecutor (extendable by 2 months for minors), during which the person is not removed and has medical care, psychological support and adequate living conditions if without resources. The permit is issued free of charge for 12 months, renewable while conditions persist, and gives labour-market access (only while valid), the same care and benefits, and access to vocational training and education.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • Quoted from the original 2023 Migration Code (Law 5038/2023, FEK A 81); Law 5275/2026 amends art. 134 only in paras 1 and 4; other intermediate amendments not checked.

Which competent authority, UN body or official assistance channel should the person use?

The competent Public Prosecutor of First Instance, the competent police authority or the competent social-support bodies inform the victim of the right to apply and provide the necessary information; the permit is granted by decision of the Minister of Migration and Asylum.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • Quoted from the original 2023 Migration Code (Law 5038/2023, FEK A 81); Law 5275/2026 amends art. 134 only in paras 1 and 4; other intermediate amendments not checked.
  • No official fraud/scam warning or dedicated assistance channel found in the captured sources.

These are the answers currently recorded in the catalogue. A missing or partial answer is not an eligibility decision.

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