Greece enacts stricter asylum laws with prison terms and fines

The Greek parliament passed on 3 September controversial legislation tightening penalties for rejected asylum seekers and accelerating their deportation.

The new law imposes harsh consequences for irregular migrants entering from non-European countries deemed safe by the EU, who are ineligible for asylum. These individuals face mandatory return to their home countries, detention for at least two years, and fines up to €10,000. In some cases, the authorities may require ankle tags for monitoring.

The legislation reflects the centre-right government’s ongoing efforts to deter undocumented migration, positioning Greece as a frontline state in managing Europe’s migration challenges.

Migration Minister Thanos Plevris, a vocal advocate for stringent policies, emphasized the government’s stance: “We are accountable to Greek citizens, who demand protection. If your asylum request is rejected, you have two choices: jail or return to your homeland. Greece does not accept you.”

Critics, including the socialist party PASOK MP Nadia Giannakopoulou and the the far-left party SYRIZA MP Giorgos Psychogios, labeled the law as “antisocial,” “inhuman,” and “institutionally racist,” arguing it violates constitutional and international human rights standards.

Key provisions of the law

– Penalties for rejected asylum seekers: irregular migrants face 2–5 years in prison, fines starting at €5,000, and potential electronic surveillance.

– Expanded deportation list: the law broadens the list of “safe” countries for deportation and extends entry bans for security reasons up to 10 years.

– Restricted asylum access: new applications for international protection are limited, and the possibility of obtaining a residence permit after seven years of illegal stay is eliminated.

– Fast-track processing: accelerated asylum procedures aim to quickly distinguish refugees from non-refugees.

Context and local pressures

Greece, particularly the island of Crete, has faced a surge in migrant arrivals, primarily from North Africa (Somalia, Sudan, Egypt, and Morocco).

In July, Greece imposed a three-month moratorium on asylum applications from sea arrivals, particularly from Libya, due to overwhelmed reception centers.

Makeshift facilities on Crete struggle to provide basic services, with authorities intercepting boats and transferring migrants to mainland ports like Lavrio and Piraeus. One week alone in July, approximately 1,500 refugees arrived in Crete and Gavdos, the southernmost Greek island, exacerbating local pressures.

Greece rescues hundreds of migrants over weekend off islands of Gavdos and Crete

Criticism and human rights concerns

The new legislation raises serious concerns about the potential violation of international protection standards, especially regarding deportations to unsafe countries or transit zones. Critics warn that the measures could lead to illegal pushbacks and undermine Greece’s commitments under international law.

Human rights organizations have condemned the legislation as draconian, citing risks of institutionalizing racism and undermining the rule of law. The suspension of asylum processing during exceptional circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or tensions at the Evros border with Turkey, has precedent, but the current measures are among the most severe in recent years.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees expressed “deep concern,” noting that some provisions risk penalizing individuals in need of protection, particularly those rejected under the “safe third country” concept without proper assessment.

The agency stressed that border control measures must comply with international and European law.

In July, Athens informed the European Commission of the legal change, with the Commission acknowledging the significant pressure on Greece’s EU external borders. Brussels has voiced minimal public criticism, emphasizing that Greece must uphold human rights.

Broader EU migration policy

Greece is calling for a tougher EU migration policy, seeking amendments to the upcoming EU migration pact scheduled to take effect in mid-2026. The country aims to bolster deportation policies and external border controls, especially amid increased arrivals from Libya during the tourist season.

The European Commission acknowledged Greece’s challenges but has largely remained silent amid the controversy. The recent spike in arrivals, compounded by geopolitical tensions in Libya—where factions like Khalifa Haftar seek to leverage migration to gain political recognition—has complicated the situation further.

The current measures, described as highly repressive by human rights activists, raise concerns about deportations to unsafe countries, potentially violating international protection standards.

As Greece grapples with its role as a gateway to Europe, the new law signals a hardline approach to migration, prioritizing deterrence over humanitarian considerations. The international community continues to monitor the situation, with calls for Greece to balance border security with its obligations under international law.

Sources: Kathimerini, Balkan Insight, Guardian

Caption: A small launch boat carries refugees and migrants at the port of Lavrio, Greece, 10 July 2025. Over 500 refugees and migrants rescued in Crete were transported overnight by a cargo ship to the port of Lavrio. EPA/YANNIS KOLESIDIS