Greece tightens penalties for rejected asylum seekers

A new law recently passed by the Greek parliament stipulates that migrants who enter Greece illegally and whose asylum applications are rejected must leave the country within two weeks.

If they fail to comply, they face prison sentences of two to five years, fines of up to €10,000, and an accelerated, state-organized repatriation procedure.

This measure is a response to the significant increase in migrant arrivals, particularly on the route from North Africa to the islands of Crete and Gavdos.

Critics view the law as punishing people who have a legitimate claim to international protection.
Some human rights organizations also accuse Athens of violating the rights of asylum seekers at its borders. The European Border and Coast Guard Agency has also been investigating several cases of possible violations of migrants' rights in Greece since early 2025.

The Greek government under Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is continuing its strict migration policy, including the construction of border fences in the north and increased sea patrols.

Since the suspension of asylum procedures in July, Greece has already returned hundreds of migrants and is planning further repatriation flights to Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Egypt.

(reuters, sie)