Migration Between Greece and Turkey Since 1880

Historical Context

Migration between Greece and Turkey has been particularly significant since the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne. The Treaty regulated population exchanges between the two countries, resulting in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people. Under this agreement, Turkish and Greek populations were compulsorily relocated.

Citizenship Status of Migrants

The descendants of those who migrated from Greece to Turkey or from Turkey to Greece before and during the Treaty of Lausanne face strict legal restrictions regarding their right to apply for Greek citizenship. Particularly for migrations after 1880 and within the framework of the Treaty, there are substantial limitations on changing citizenship.

Migration Under the Treaty of Lausanne

The population exchange in the 1920s significantly altered the demographics of both countries. However, the grandchildren or children of those who migrated under this agreement cannot directly obtain Greek citizenship. Descendants cannot apply for Greek citizenship solely based on the migration of their ancestors.

Alternative Citizenship Pathways

Although direct application for Greek citizenship based on ancestral migration is not possible, descendants of migrants have other legal avenues to obtain Greek citizenship. For example, they can apply for citizenship through investment or by starting a business in Greece.

Citizenship Through Investment

Greece grants citizenship to foreigners who make certain economic contributions. Thus, individuals whose ancestors migrated during the population exchange can acquire Greek citizenship by investing in Greece. This method demonstrates that citizenship is not entirely closed off to descendants of migrants.

Migration and Descent-Based Citizenship Claims in the 1950s and 1980s

The citizenship status of those who migrated between Greece and Turkey in the 1950s and 1980s is treated differently from earlier migrations. Descendants of individuals who migrated during this period, who maintained their Greek identity in Turkey, can apply for Greek citizenship based on descent. In this process, they need to prove their ancestors’ Greek citizenship and provide the necessary documentation.

Required Documents for Citizenship Application

Applicants must gather various documents to prove their ancestors’ citizenship status. These include:

Information on Whether the Migrant Ancestor is Alive: Information on the living status of the migrant ancestor is essential to begin the application process.
Family Tree Document: An official document showing the applicant’s lineage is required. This document plays a crucial role in proving the ancestors’ Greek citizenship.

Application Process

Once the necessary documents are collected, the application process can be initiated through consulates or by visiting Greece directly. The process details are as follows:

Consulate Application: Applicants can submit their documents and application through Greek consulates.
Visiting Greece: To expedite and more effectively manage the application, applicants can visit Greece and handle the procedures in person.

Language Requirement

Like many countries, Greece requires citizenship applicants to have a basic knowledge of the Greek language. This requirement aims to facilitate the applicant’s integration into the country.

Applying for Greek Citizenship Through Descent

Necessary Documents

Applicants for Greek citizenship through descent must provide the following documents:

Birth Certificates: Documents showing the birth records of the applicant and their ancestors.
Marriage Certificates: Documents showing the marriage records of the ancestors.
Population Registers: Records proving the ancestors’ Greek citizenship.
Family Tree: A detailed family tree showing the applicant’s lineage.
Other Documents Proving Descent: Other official documents proving the descent.

These documents are used to confirm the applicant’s lineage and their ancestors’ Greek citizenship.

Application Steps

To start the application process, the following steps should be followed:

Filling Out Official Application Forms: Applicants must complete the necessary official forms to begin the process.
Collecting Documents: The required documents mentioned above must be collected comprehensively.
Ensuring Document Accuracy and Completeness: Ensuring that all documents are accurate and complete is crucial, as errors or omissions can negatively impact the application.

Application Procedures

Application procedures may vary depending on the country and the period. Therefore, it is essential for applicants to obtain direct information from Greece’s immigration or citizenship offices. Additionally, the assistance of a lawyer can greatly facilitate the process.

Lawyers can help gather necessary documents, complete official forms, and communicate with consulates. Applicants can grant their lawyers power of attorney, allowing them to manage the application more effectively.

Physical Visit to Greece for Citizenship Application

Before applying for citizenship, it is advisable to visit Greece to obtain up-to-date information on the application process, required documents, and procedures. Handling the process in person can contribute to a faster and more efficient application.

Obtaining Up-to-Date Information from Official Institutions

Applicants should take the time to get the most current information from official Greek institutions. This step is critical to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the required documents. Additionally, to avoid any complications, applicants should correctly fill out the official application forms.

Managing Procedures with a Lawyer’s Power of Attorney

Applicants can give power of attorney to a lawyer to manage the procedures more effectively. Lawyers play a crucial role in collecting necessary documents, completing official application forms, and communicating with consulates. With power of attorney, a lawyer can handle all procedures on behalf of the applicant, ensuring a faster and smoother process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, individuals seeking Greek citizenship through descent must be well-informed about the application process and required documents. Visiting Greece and obtaining direct information from official institutions is the most accurate approach. Additionally, giving power of attorney to a lawyer to manage the application process effectively will provide significant convenience. These steps will help applicants complete their transition to Greek citizenship faster and more smoothly.Migration Between Greece and Turkey Since 1880