Red tape curbs Greek citizenship claims

Two years after the leftist-led government passed much-hyped legislation allowing children who have been born to migrant parents in Greece to obtain Greek citizenship, it is estimated that only half of the 58,000 applications have been approved by the authorities.

Meanwhile, it is estimated that thousands of second-generation migrants who are formally eligible for Greek citizenship have failed to submit a claim to the authorities.

Red tape, which can in some cases delay the whole procedure for years, is mostly to blame for the low rate of citizenship claims.

Christos Yacoubi, who was born in Greece in 1997, read his name in the Government Gazette (FEK) Wednesday after authorities finally green-lighted his claim. He submitted his application 20 months ago. However, he still has to join the municipal as well as the male register - which is a requirement if you want...