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Until 2024, no differences in treatment, based on asylum applicants’ nationality, were observed. From April 2024 onwards, Syrian nationals that applied for asylum are not permitted to live in the community and receive financial assistance as part of the MRC. Initially, they were transferred from Pournara to the Reception Center in Kofinou, where they were issued with residence orders. From then on, they were allowed to leave Kofinou and reside in the community however, if they opted to do so, access to material reception conditions is reduced and, specifically, they do not have access to the financial allowance. From late 2024 onwards the option is provided before leaving Pournara to move to Kofinou or live in the community without financial assistance, with the majority opting to waive entitlements to the financial allowance and live in the community. No assessment is carried out with regards to risk of destitution.[1]
[1] Philnews, Suspension of asylum applications affects thousands, 16 April 2024, available here.