OPEKA | Administrative gap for expatriates with a Special Identity Card for Expatriates – A solution is being considered

An administrative issue concerning a small number of expatriates has arisen during the process of granting welfare benefits from OPEKA, focusing on the recognition of the Special Identity Card of an Expatriate.

The envisaged categories of beneficiaries include Greek citizens, citizens of European Union Member States, citizens of the European Economic Area, recognized refugees and third-country citizens with a specific residence status. However, the case of holders of a Special Identity Card for an Expatriate is not reflected with the required clarity in all relevant directives.

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This results in different interpretations by the competent services, with expatriates encountering difficulties in accepting this specific document. The issue takes on particular importance when it concerns people with disabilities and their access to social and welfare benefits.

The Special Identity Card for an Expatriate is an official document that certifies the status of an expatriate for the categories to which it is issued. At the same time, in procedures of the OPEKA itself it is provided as a supporting document. Consequently, the problem lies in the need for a clear and uniform application of the existing framework.

The competent supervisory body of OPEKA is the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family. The issue is being examined in order to find the appropriate administrative or institutional solution, so that different interpretations cease and there is a common approach across all the services involved.

The cases falling into this category are few and, therefore, resolving the problem does not entail a substantial fiscal burden or create significant costs for the state budget. It is essentially a matter of correcting an administrative distortion that affects a very limited number of people.

The social dimension is even more important, as people with disabilities are among the stakeholders. An ambiguity in the application of the rules should not be a reason for exclusion from benefits for people who otherwise meet the required conditions.

A clear explanatory circular or other appropriate intervention can definitively clarify the framework and ensure uniform application. This is an injustice that concerns a small number of Greeks, it can be addressed without a substantial burden on the state budget and, precisely for this reason, its correction for reasons of equal treatment and social protection is an issue that can be examined immediately.