Category E — Trafficking Victim Residence Permit (Άδεια Θύματος Εμπορίας Ανθρώπων - Category E)

The Trafficking Victim Residence Permit (Άδεια Θύματος Εμπορίας Ανθρώπων - Category E) is a protective legal mechanism established under Greek law, in accordance with international conventions and EU directives aimed at combating human trafficking. It was created to provide a secure legal status for victims of human trafficking or migrant smuggling, ensuring they are not treated as illegal migrants but as vulnerable individuals in need of protection. By providing this permit, the Greek state aims to encourage victims to break free from their exploiters and cooperate with judicial and law enforcement authorities to dismantle criminal networks, without the fear of immediate deportation or retaliation.

This permit is exclusively for identified victims of human trafficking or migrant smuggling who have been officially recognized by the competent Greek authorities. It is designed to support their recovery and participation in criminal proceedings. Applicants must demonstrate that they have severed all ties with their traffickers and are often required to meet specific conditions, such as showing a minimum income (e.g., 10,560 EUR) and maintaining health insurance. What makes this permit distinctive is its focus on victim protection and empowerment; it grants the holder access to the labor market and essential social services, facilitating their rehabilitation and integration while they assist in the pursuit of justice against those who exploited them.