Migration Bill: Sweeping Changes Voted in – 21 Key Questions and Answers

Amid heated debate and last-minute amendments, Greece’s parliament has passed the new Migration and Asylum Ministry bill titled: “Reform of the framework and procedures for returns of third-country nationals – Other provisions of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.”

To clarify its provisions, the ministry released 21 questions and answers, highlighting the government’s turn toward stricter enforcement against irregular stay and accelerated removals for those without asylum rights.

What Changes Under the New Framework

• Broader definition of “country of return”: now includes not only the country of habitual residence, but also a safe third country or first country of asylum.
• Stricter “risk of absconding” criteria: lack of fixed residence, refusal of identification, or change of address without notification.
• Shorter deadline for voluntary departure: reduced from 25 to 14 days, extendable to 60 in exceptional cases.
• Electronic monitoring introduced: an intermediate measure between full freedom and detention.
• Mandatory entry bans: imposed when there is a risk to public order, national security, or public health – lasting up to 10 years.

Tougher Penalties and Extended Detention

• Irregular stay: minimum sentence of 2 years’ imprisonment and a fine of at least €5,000.
• Illegal re-entry: minimum 3 years’ imprisonment and fines starting at €10,000, with no suspension or conversion of penalties.
• Administrative detention: maximum period extended from 18 to 24 months, reviewed every six months. Appeals against detention no longer have suspensive effect.

Closing Loopholes

• Seven-year rule abolished: migrants who stayed illegally for over 7 years can no longer apply for residence on that basis alone.
• Stricter rules for repeat asylum applications, aimed at curbing “asylum shopping” and accelerating returns in abusive cases.

Government’s Message

According to the ministry, the new framework will:

• Strengthen compliance and reduce abuse of asylum procedures.
• Accelerate returns and discourage repeat irregular entry.
• Ease pressure on the Asylum Service, police, and courts.
• Send a clear signal that irregular stay will not be tolerated and that rules will be enforced with consequences.