Greece Passes Law Tightening Penalties, Speeds Returns for Rejected Asylum Seekers

Greece's parliament has passed stringent new legislation targeting rejected asylum seekers, introducing detention for up to 24 months and fines up to €10,000 for undocumented migrants from EU-designated safe countries who do not return voluntarily. This move comes amid a recent surge in arrivals, particularly from North Africa through islands like Crete and Gavdos, prompting the government to temporarily suspend asylum processing for these migrants. The conservative administration of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in power since 2019, has consistently implemented tougher border controls, including expanded fencing and enhanced maritime patrols. Migration Minister Thanos Plevris emphasized prioritizing the rights of Greek citizens over those of rejected asylum seekers remaining illegally in the country. While Greek officials maintain that returns comply with international law and have already repatriated hundreds of migrants, humanitarian organizations and the UNHCR have expressed concern that the law risks penalizing genuine refugees and urged the adoption of fast-track asylum procedures. Human rights groups continue to criticize Greece for alleged pushbacks and harsh treatment of migrants under the new policies.