Greece introduced harsh migration legislation imposing prison terms, fines and ankle tags for rejected asylum seekers who remain after 14 days. Detention for undocumented arrivals increases to 24 months, and migrants in Greece seven years or more lose rights to legalise their status. Illegal entry now carries a 10,000 fine. The measures follow a recent government pause on asylum applications amid rising crossings to islands such as Crete and Gavdos and a surge in arrivals from Libya. The government frames the laws as protecting Greek citizens and deterring new irregular migration.
Greece has passed draconian legislation that could mean rejected asylum seekers receiving prison terms, fines and orders to wear ankle tags, in a move that reflects the centre-right government's continued attempts to deter undocumented migrants from arriving on its soil. The tough penalties usher in an unprecedented era of zero tolerance for people who remain in the country if their asylum claims are denied.
We are accountable to Greek citizens, and Greek citizens want to be protected, the migration minister, Thanos Plevris, told MPs ahead of voting. The message is clear [for migrants]: if your asylum request is rejected, you have two choices. Either you go to jail or return to your homeland. The Greek state does not accept you You are not welcome.
But under the new law, asylum seekers who have their claims rejected and do not leave the country within 14 days face prison terms of two to five years. Deterrence measures will also be toughened: people who arrive without the proper paperwork will be detained for 24 months, up from the current 18 months, while unregulated migrants who have been in Greece for seven years will no longer have the right to legalise their status. Those found guilty of illegal entry will be fined 10,000.
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