Diaspora Policies, Consular Services and Social Protection for Greek Citizens Abroad

Abstract

The policies of the Greek state vis-à-vis Greek citizens residing abroad are better developed in some areas (pension, cultural/education policy), but very embryonic in others (social protection, family-related benefits). The institutions representing and aggregating the interests of the Greek diaspora, such as the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and the World Council of Hellenes abroad of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reflect earlier periods of Greek migration during the post-war period, but meet less adequately the needs of recent migrants, especially following the post-2010 Greek economic crisis. At the same time, political parties continue to play an active role in the relationship between diaspora and the homeland. The policies of the Greek state, especially when exercised informally or with regard to cultural and educational programs, are also characterized by an emphasis on blood, language and religious ties, and are offshoots of a long-standing history of migration to Western Europe, North America and Australia. Possible developments, such as the long-overdue implementation of the right to vote from abroad, an official registrar for Greek citizens residing abroad, new programs of social protection in Greece and new economic incentives for return might change the diaspora policies of the Greek state in the next decades.