Authorities in Greece plan to abolish a provision permitting irregular migrants to apply for residency after remaining for seven years in the country.
The decision has been announced by the Greek Migration Minister, Makis Voridis, stressing that it comes after the rule had been abused, Schengen.News reports.
“Whoever Is Illegally in Greece Will Never Be Legalised”
Voridis hopes that the new rules will help the country better manage the migration situation.
The longer you were (in the country) illegally, the bigger your prize. From now on, whoever is in Greece illegally will never be legalized, will never get a residence permit.
The minister emphasized that about 55,000-65,000 people enter Greece irregularly, with half granted asylum.
Over 74,000 Irregular Migrants Arrested, Only 2,500 Expelled
The Minister Voridis told Skai that in 2024, the police arrested a total of 74,000 irregular migrants, however, only 2,500 were expelled.
He said that the detainees often claim a false country of origin in order to avoid deportation. He said that this stalls the process for months.
There must be (sanctions) for those who persist in staying in Greece even though they are not legally here.
The Minister emphasized that the new draft law, approved by the cabinet, carries a prison sentence of up to five years for irregular entry and residence.
The draft is expected to pass in parliament next month, as the government has a majority.
In spite of the fact that migration flows into Greece have marked a decrease by 30 per cent in early 2025, or 30 per cent down compared to 2024 statistics, arrivals through new smuggling routes from Libya to Crete and Gavdos have marked an increase.
The Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, said the recent decision to apply stricter measures on rejected asylum seekers andthe acceleration of their return to home countries is part of the Hellenic Republic’s efforts to address irregular migration more effectively.
The recent draft legislation comes following a recent proposal from the European Commission to permit the EU countries to return rejected asylum seekers to safe third countries, in order to better deal with migration situations across the EU.
In December 2024, it was reported that the Commission would impose stricter migration measures this year, in order to accelerate and increase the number of deportations.
The new rules came in a bid to define the rights and obligations migrants have after they have used up all legal options to stay in the EU, and also clarify the rules for their deportation to third countries.