The Minister of Migration and Asylum, Makis Voridis, is set to introduce a new anti-immigration bill that marks a sharp turn towards stricter and more punitive migration policies in Greece. Among other measures, the bill proposes longer prison sentences and higher fines, the abolition of residence permits for unauthorised migrants who have lived in the country for many years, and shorter deadlines for so-called "voluntary departure." It also makes it mandatory to ban entry on the grounds of "risk to public order and security," expanding the definition of such risk to include "national security and public health."

Harsh rhetoric and a tougher legal environment

Since taking office, Voridis has made a series of widely criticised statements, and now he is pushing forward a range of harsh measures targeting refugees seeking asylum in Greece. In his own words, “An illegal migrant whose asylum claim is rejected but remains in the country will face a far tougher legal environment than at present.”

Administrative enforcement and European influence

To enforce this more authoritarian approach, the new framework will be supported by an administrative mechanism to ensure that “return policies are implemented in practice.” Voridis also stressed that these measures are aligned with a wider shift in European Union policy towards tougher immigration controls.

“There was once a false hope that benefits and integration policies would solve the problem. That illusion has now collapsed. Europe has changed strategy. The priority now is effective border control and the return of illegal migrants,” he stated.

Detention periods extended and penalties increased

Voridis announced in an interview earlier this month on Action24 that he plans to present a bill to the Cabinet in May focusing on increasing administrative detention and raising penalties for illegal entry.

“The goal is to create a legal environment that discourages illegal stay,” he said. “An illegal migrant whose asylum is rejected and who remains in the country will face a clearly harsher regime.”

The maximum length of administrative detention will rise from 18 to 24 months, meaning detainees could spend up to two years in pre-departure centres.

Praising repressive policies as “effective“

Speaking with pride about Greece’s tough stance on migration, he claimed the policy was esuccessful,” citing a 27% reduction in migration flows in the first quarter and a 12.9% decrease in population within migrant centres since he took office. “This shows more effective control and is a direction we will continue,” he added.

Greece compared to the Danish model

Voridis also compared Greece’s approach to Denmark’s, saying: “The Danish model largely already applies in Greece. Greece implements administrative detention, speeds up asylum decisions, and does not provide benefits to illegal migrants. The Danes do what we do.”

Defending the Hellenic Coast Guard amid allegations

When questioned about the Coast Guard, which has faced numerous accusations of illegal pushbacks resulting in deaths in the Aegean Sea – and with an Ombudsman report pointing to clear evidence implicating senior Coast Guard officers in ignoring life-threatening risks – Voridis defended the force robustly.

He said:

“The Coast Guard fights a tough battle every day. Almost every day, illegal traffickers are arrested. A large number of prisoners are migrant traffickers. Yet, I don’t hear criticism of those who put lives at risk. Everyone talks about the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard defends the borders of Greece and Europe – and we will continue to do so.”

Key provisions of the new immigration bill

According to the Greek News Agency (ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ), the bill will introduce the following changes:

  • Stricter entry and harsher sentencing
  • Tougher rules for entering the country
  • Increased prison sentences for illegal entry
  • Criminalisation of remaining in Greece after administrative procedures are completed
  • Elimination of residence permits for those who have lived in the country without documents for seven years

Expanded entry bans and longer duration

In line with new EU regulations to take effect in 2026, the bill introduces mandatory entry bans for third-country nationals deemed to pose a threat to public order, national security, or public health. The duration of entry bans will increase from five to ten years, with the possibility of an additional five-year extension.

Heavier penalties for unauthorised presence

For those classified as “illegally entering” the country:

  • Sentences will increase from a minimum of 3 months to at least 2 years
  • In aggravated cases, penalties rise from 6 months to at least 3 years
  • Fines may reach up to €10,000

Remaining in the country after the rejection of an asylum claim will now carry a minimum 3-year prison term, a €10,000 fine, no option for sentence suspension, and the only possibility of reprieve being voluntary departure. The suspension of sentencing begins only upon leaving the country.

End of residence permits for long-term undocumented migrants

The bill also eliminates the option to apply for a residence permit for migrants who have lived undocumented in Greece for seven years.

Shorter timelines for voluntary departure

The period allowed for voluntary departure will be shortened:

  • From 25 to 14 days
  • Extension in exceptional cases reduced from 120 to 60 days
  • Electronic monitoring will be imposed during this period, raising serious concerns about civil liberties and the treatment of migrants as criminals

New definitions and expanded “return country” criteria

The new law also updates definitions in line with the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.

The concept of “return country” will now include:

  • Country of habitual residence
  • A designated safe third country
  • The first country of asylum, if a claim is deemed inadmissible

Tighter criteria for “risk of absconding”

The definition of “risk of absconding” is broadened to include:

  • Not having a known address
  • Changing address without informing the authorities
  • Refusal to undergo biometric or other identification procedures

Expected timeline

The bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament towards the end of June, following completion of the required legislative process.

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