On Tuesday, September 2, Greece’s Parliament passed a controversial new migration and asylum law, after a tense debate marked by strong opposition and a series of last-minute changes.
The legislation, formally titled “Reform of the Framework and Procedures for the Return of Third-Country Nationals and Other Provisions of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum,” introduces sweeping reforms to the country’s migration policy. The centerpiece of the bill is the criminalization of irregular stays in Greece.
Foreign nationals found remaining in the country without legal authorization will now face prison terms ranging from two to five years, along with a minimum fine of €5,000 (about $5,500). The law also eliminates the previous provision that allowed migrants to apply for legal residency after seven years of continuous undocumented presence. Furthermore, the government is tightening rules on repeat asylum applications, a move it says is designed to curb abuse of the system.
Migration and Asylum Minister Thanos Plevris, who presented the legislation to lawmakers, defended the measures as necessary to safeguard the country’s security and credibility. “I say it with great pride,” he told Parliament, “that this government is enacting the offense of illegal stay. When asylum is rejected and an individual remains unlawfully on Greek territory, there will be administrative detention, electronic monitoring, and criminal sanctions.”
Key provisions of updated Greece migration law
Several major changes are central to the updated legislation, including new definitions and stricter enforcement measures, as outlined below.
Redefinition of “country of return”
The legislation expands the definition of “country of return.” In addition to a migrant’s country of habitual residence, authorities may now designate a “safe third country” or “first country of asylum” as the destination for deportation if an application is rejected as inadmissible.
Stricter standards for flight risk
Criteria for assessing whether someone poses a risk of absconding have been tightened and made more objective. Factors such as lacking a permanent residence, failing to report changes of address, or refusing to provide identification or biometric data can now justify detention.
Accelerated returns under updated Greece migration law
The time period granted for voluntary departure has been cut from 25 days to 14, with a maximum extension of 60 days instead of the previous 120. The government argues this will reduce delays and limit the phenomenon often referred to as “asylum shopping” through which applicants file multiple claims in various EU states.
Electronic surveillance
A new option of electronic monitoring has been introduced as an intermediate step between full freedom and detention. Officials say this measure will reduce costs, improve compliance, and avoid the need for immediate detention in some cases.
Entry bans extended under Greece migration law
When an individual poses a threat to public order, national security, or public health, entry bans will now be mandatory. These bans can last up to ten years, with a possible extension of an additional five. Authorities emphasize that this provision is designed as both a deterrent and a safeguard for Greek society.
Criminalization of unauthorized stay
The most controversial provision makes irregular stay a criminal offense. Those convicted will face at least two years in prison and fines starting at €5,000 (about $5,500). Repeat offenders attempting to reenter after deportation and placement on the list of “undesirable persons” face even harsher penalties: at least three years of imprisonment and fines of €10,000 (around $11,000) or more.
Conversion or suspension of sentences will not be allowed, except in cases where the offender voluntarily departs Greece, in which case suspension begins upon exit.
End of regularization through long-term stay
Migrants who have lived in Greece for more than seven years without legal status will no longer be able to apply for residency solely on the basis of long-term presence. This provision, the government argues, removes an incentive for irregular migration.
Extended administrative detention
The maximum period of administrative detention has been extended from 18 months to 24 months, with mandatory six-month reviews. Appeals against detention will no longer have a suspensive effect, meaning that migrants can remain detained even while their cases are under judicial review. Officials justify the extension by citing the need for adequate time to verify identities, issue travel documents, and ensure public safety.
Restrictions on repeat asylum applications
The law also introduces stricter rules for subsequent asylum applications. Authorities will now have new tools to fast-track returns in cases deemed abusive or unfounded, with the aim of focusing resources on applicants with genuine protection needs.
Broader impact of Greece migration law
The Ministry of Migration and Asylum insists that the new framework will deliver multiple benefits. By imposing tougher penalties and shortening procedures, the government expects a significant reduction in irregular stays and repeat violations. The changes are also designed to relieve pressure on the Asylum Service, police, and courts, while allowing administrative resources to be redirected toward individuals with legitimate claims.
Officials also argue that the law strengthens Greece’s legal framework by clarifying definitions, tightening criteria, and closing loopholes that have allowed lengthy delays in the past. The overarching goal, according to the government, is to send a clear message that unlawful presence in the country will no longer be tolerated.
Critics, however, warn that the measures risk criminalizing vulnerable individuals and may be challenged under European human rights standards. Opposition lawmakers argued during the parliamentary debate that the bill undermines the right to seek asylum and could result in overcrowded detention facilities. Human rights groups have also expressed concern that electronic monitoring and lengthy administrative detention could violate fundamental rights.
Despite the backlash, the government maintains that the law is a necessary step in aligning Greece’s migration management with its security priorities and the expectations of its citizens. By combining stricter sanctions with streamlined procedures, officials say, the country will be better positioned to handle irregular migration flows in the years ahead.
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