General Secretariat for Reception of Asylum Seekers

The General Secretariat for the Reception of Asylum Seekers was established by the first article of the Presidential Decree 18/2020 (ΦΕΚ 34/Α/19-2-2020) and reports directly to the Minister of Migration and Asylum. The General Secretariat has the following main responsibilities:

It drafts and submits to the Minister of Migration & Asylum the Action Plans of the General Secretariat.
It supervises the implementation of strategic goals that relate to the operation of the Reception and Identification Service, such as procedures of reception, identification and accommodation for third-country nationals who are applicants of international protection in Greece.
It initiates and develops meaningful collaborations to further develop the planning, monitoring and implementation of reception procedures for asylum seekers.

The mission of the General Secretariat for the Reception of Asylum Seekers is to establish humane and respectful reception conditions that abide with international laws for third-country nationals in Greece. Its role also is to seek and provide the necessary material means that enable the implementation of its mission.

The General Secretariat for the Reception of Asylum Seekers acts in collaboration with the Ministry, the Government and the leadership team of R.I.S., and undertakes initiatives to reform and improve the national reception system for asylum seekers. It also initiates collaborations with competent services and stakeholders and seeks funding for innovative projects in key areas of interest.

Since August 2024 General Secretary for Reception of Asylum Seekers is Dimitra Lygoura

Dimitra Lygoura

Dimitra Lygoura, originating from the region of Ilia, holds a degree in Computer Systems Engineering from the Higher Technological Educational Institute of Piraeus and a master's degree in Project Management from the University of Piraeus.

Her professional experience began in 2003 at the Municipality of Athens, in the Civil Status Directorate, where she currently holds a permanent position. In 2014, she served as an associate to the Minister of Administrative Reform and E-Governance, Kyriakos Mitsotakis. From July 2019 to June 2023, she served as the chief of staff of the private office of the General Secretary for Digital Governance and Simplification of Procedures at the Ministry of Digital Governance. In this role, she coordinated and managed significant projects and initiatives for digitalizing and simplifying public sector procedures via gov.gr, enhancing digital skills, and implementing the country's Digital Transformation Bible.

From September 2020 to July 2023, she was a member of the Board of Directors at the National Documentation Centre, an entity supervised by the Ministry of Digital Governance.

From July 2023 to July 2024, she served as the General Secretary for Anti-Crime Policy at the Ministry of Citizen Protection. During her term, she focused on upgrading correctional services and adopting innovative approaches for their structure and operation. She coordinated initiatives to reform correctional facilities aimed at improving inmate living conditions and enhancing rehabilitation programs. Concurrently, she promoted the digital transformation of the General Secretariat for Anti-Crime Policy, achieving transparency and efficiency in its operations.

Since her early student years, she has been active in numerous organizations aiming to create a positive impact on the community. She is a member of Rotary International, a global organization that brings people together to take action on sustainable projects, ranging from literacy and peace to water and health.