Greece toughens migration policy with new bill

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) – Greece on Wednesday further toughened its migration policy with the passage of a new bill by parliament.

The bill introduces the criminalization of illegal stays in the country with a prison sentence of two to five years and a minimum fine of €5,000 ($5,835), the state-run AMNA news agency announced.

It also eliminates the possibility of legalization after seven years for illegal residents and limits applications for international protection.

It would enable administrative detention for up to 24 months, while the deadline for voluntary departure is shortened to 14 days with the possibility of electronic surveillance.

Commenting on the new measures, Migration Minister Thanos Plevris said: "I am happy to be a minister of this government that institutionalizes the offense of illegal stays in the country.”

But Greece’s Association of Administrative Judges sharply criticized the bill, underlining that it further tightens migrant return policies and emphasizes enforcement over humanitarian support, according to daily Kathimerini.

The group stressed that migration cannot be addressed only “through repression and stricter residence and asylum procedures.”