Plevris brings overhaul of migration benefits – cuts to food, housing, and financial aid
Source: ProtoThema English
Minister of Migration and Asylum Thanos Plevris is proceeding with a sweeping overhaul of the framework for benefits provided to asylum recipients, introducing major spending cuts and redirecting funds toward vocational training programs instead of financial aid.
According to the new plan, the first step was implemented today and is expected to save over €288 million in food and accommodation expenses across reception facilities over two years. The next step is the immediate abolition of the HELIOS program, so that housing allowance funds can be redirected toward vocational training and Greek language programs for asylum recipients. The third step involves a 50% cut to financial assistance, currently estimated at €75 per month.
30% Cut in Food Spending
On Monday morning, Mr. Plevris assigned the Hellenic Corporation of Assets and Participations (the Superfund) the task of conducting all tenders related to food provision, operation, and management of reception facilities, including cleaning, security, and technical support.
The relevant contract was signed between the Minister and Panagiotis Stampoulidis, Deputy CEO of the Superfund, and sets in motion a new framework for further transparency and rationalization of spending, aiming for stricter and more effective allocation of public funds designated for migration.
Under the new plan, total funding commitments are reduced by 30%, from €400 million to €288 million, while further savings are expected through competitive tendering. Spending cuts will be achieved through restructuring the benefits system and rationalizing expenditures.
End of Housing Programs
– Rental allowance replaced by training and language programs
As part of this complete restructuring of the benefits system, the HELIOS program is being modified so that funds previously used for rent subsidies will be fully redirected toward employment training and Greek language learning programs.
As Mr. Plevris stated, apartments currently leased in central Athens under the HELIOS program for asylum recipients will become available again to Athens residents. For those asylum recipients who choose to remain in Greece, opportunities for work and integration will be provided through employment, not subsidies.
50% Cut to Financial Aid
These changes apply to all future programs moving forward, with an effort also underway to relocate autonomous reception facilities away from the city center.
Additionally, financial aid to beneficiaries of international protection will be reduced by up to 50%, to cover only the bare essentials, as defined by European regulations.
Plevris: Those Granted Asylum Will Not Live on Benefits – They’ll Be Given the Opportunity to Work
Following the signing of the agreement, Minister Thanos Plevris stated:
“Today we signed the programmatic agreements with the Superfund to centralize all tenders from the Ministry of Migration related to food and services provided in reception facilities – including security, cleaning, and maintenance. The funding we committed to was 30% less than in previous tenders, and our goal is to achieve even greater savings through competitive procedures and changes to the benefits model.”
He added:
“This strategy serves the Ministry’s overarching doctrine: on one hand, increasing transparency in procurement processes, and on the other, reducing reliance on welfare policies. Accordingly, all programs related to housing for asylum recipients are being restructured. The Ministry will no longer finance rental housing. Instead, all such funds will go toward teaching asylum recipients the Greek language so they can work. This is part of the new doctrine: anyone granted asylum in this country will no longer live off benefits at the expense of European and Greek taxpayers. They will be given the opportunity to work – and housing currently tied up in central Athens will be freed.”
“All funds will now be redirected toward equipping recipients with the skills needed to enter the workforce. At the same time, financial aid will be reduced by up to 50%. All these changes align with the country’s obligations to the European Union – with one key principle: if you receive asylum and want to remain in Greece, you will have to work. You cannot stay and live off benefits.”
“Greece is Entering a New, Clear Migration Policy Era”
Deputy Minister Sevi Voloudaki stated:
“Greece is entering a new, clear migration policy era. The mindset of passive residence and endless benefits is ending once and for all. From now on, support will be tied to employment, education, and genuine integration. Those in the country illegally will be returned or detained, in accordance with the law and our European commitments. Those who have been granted asylum will live from their own labor, not from state handouts. We protect the Greek taxpayer, ensure transparency in resource management, and implement a consistent policy of responsibility and fairness. Greece will not be a place of easy settlement, but a country of opportunity for those who respect its laws.”
“A Practical Acknowledgement of the Strategic Contracting Unit’s Expertise”
Panagiotis Stampoulidis, Deputy CEO of the Superfund, said:
“Today’s agreement with the Ministry of Migration is a practical acknowledgement of the experience and know-how that the Superfund’s Strategic Contracting Unit has developed in managing and implementing complex procurement processes. At the same time, it marks the beginning of another collaboration with the State to promote initiatives that enhance the more efficient use of public resources. With consistency, transparency, and reliability, the Superfund continues to act as a catalyst for strategic projects, for the benefit of citizens.”
Ask me anything
Explore related questions
The original article: belongs to ProtoThema English .
