Greece Set to Tighten Migration Regulations in 2025
Greece Moves to Enforce Stricter Migration Laws & End Legalization for Irregular Migrants
Greece is set to implement new, stricter migration rules that will prevent the regularization of individuals residing in the country illegally, even after extended stays.
Migration Minister Makis Voridis announced the draft law, emphasizing:
“From now on, whoever is in Greece illegally will never be legalized, will never get a residence permit.”
Voridis criticized the previous provision that allowed undocumented migrants to apply for legal status after seven years in Greece, calling it a "prize" for illegal stay. The draft law, which has already been approved by the Cabinet, proposes up to five years of imprisonment for those entering or staying illegally. Parliament is expected to pass the legislation next month, backed by the ruling party's majority.
Irregular Migration Statistics
- In 2024, Greek authorities arrested over 74,000 irregular migrants, but only 2,500 were expelled.
- The Minister noted that deportations are often delayed due to false claims of origin, which hinder proper identification.
Wider Migration Context
Despite a 30% drop in migration flows into Greece in early 2025 compared to the previous year, the country has seen a rise in arrivals via new smuggling routes from Libya to Crete and Gavdos.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis supported the tighter measures, stating they are part of Greece’s broader strategy to expedite the return of rejected asylum seekers.
The legislation aligns with recent European Commission proposals that would allow EU member states to return migrants to safe third countries. These measures aim to clarify the obligations of migrants who have exhausted all legal avenues for staying in the EU and accelerate the deportation process.
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