Draft bill on migrants foresees tougher penalties

Tougher penalties for those who flout immigration law – such higher maximum sentences for those who enter Greece illegally, making it a criminal offence to remain in the country after asylum has been refused and abolishing the right to a residence permit for those who live in the country illegally for seven or more years, are envisioned in the draft migration ministry bill presented to the cabinet, sources said on Thursday.

For entry into the country, the bill provides for a stricter framework in line with the guidelines of the new European regulation on migration, which is set to come into effect in 2026. Specifically, it establishes as a mandatory grounds for entry denial the risk posed by the presence of a third-country national to public order and safety, national security, and public health. At the same time, the duration of the entry ban is extended from 5 years to 10 years, with the possibility of a further extension for up to five additional years. For those who enter the country illegally, the bill provides for an increase in the minimum prison sentence from 3 months to at least 2 years, and in aggravated cases from 6 months to at least 3 years. At the same time, the monetary fine is increased, reaching up to 10,000 euros.

The bill also provides for the abolition of the provision granting residence permits to individuals who entered the country without the necessary documents and have been residing illegally for 7 years.The draft bill is expected to be submitted to Parliament for a vote around the end of June, following the completion of the required procedures.

On Wednesday, Greece unveiled stringent immigration legislation that criminalizes undocumented stays, imposing up to three years in prison and fines of up to 10,000 euros for migrants without legal papers. Migration and Asylum Minister Makis Voridis presented the draft law, which escalates unauthorized stays by third-country nationals from an administrative to a criminal offense, targeting those with rejected asylum applications.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described the measures as a “tougher legal framework” for illegal entry and stays, emphasizing Greece’s role in shaping EU migration policy. The law extends detention periods from 18 months to two years, with possible extensions for security concerns. Prison sentences are non-suspendable unless migrants agree to voluntary departure.

Returning after deportation increases penalties, with fines ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 euros and entry bans extended from five to 10 years, with possible five-year extensions. Voluntary return deadlines are shortened from 25 to 14 days, with extensions reduced from 120 to 60 days. Electronic monitoring, such as ankle bracelets, will track migrants during this period.

The legislation broadens the “safe third country” concept, allowing returns to transit countries, not just countries of origin. Detention criteria now include lacking a fixed residence, abandoning registered addresses, or refusing biometric identification.

The bill scraps a prior SYRIZA policy allowing undocumented migrants with seven years of residency to gain legal status. Ministry sources say the law aligns with EU return procedure guidelines and aims to deter illegal residence.

Titled “Reform of Framework and Return Procedures for Third Country Citizens,” the draft awaits public consultation before parliamentary review. Recent data highlights ongoing pressures, with over 1,000 migrants arriving in Crete in a single week.

Source: pagenews.gr