On July 17, the Greek Ministry of Migration announced a bill that importantly tightens the state's approach to persons residing in its territory without a residence permit. According to reports from the German dpa agency, the task imposes a punishment of at least 3 years in prison for those who are illegally residing in Greece and refuse to leave voluntarily.
So far, specified people have been sent to detention centers, where they were awaiting deportation. Although their freedom of movement was limited, they were not threatened with prison punishment. The proposed amendments so turn the violation of migration rules into a criminal offence for which there is simply a threat of direct imprisonment in a criminal institution.
The Ministry of Migration’s communication highlighted:
“In the future, those affected by the refusal will have only 2 options: detention or return to their country of origin.”
Three key task entries
The recently appointed migration minister Thanos Plevris announced 3 main objectives of the project:
- The deficiency of a mechanics for legalising residence – people who cross the border illegally will not be able to get any legalising status.
- The work to leave the country after refusing asylum – persons denied global protection will be obliged to leave immediately. Otherwise, they'll be charged with a crime.
- Direct conviction and imprisonment – if the court finds the individual guilty of illegal stay in Greece, it will be immediately incarcerated.
Minister Plevris added:
‘If you have no right to stay in Greece and refuse to leave, you will be detained and convicted. It's simple. We want to show that Greece will not be an open country without consequences."
The task gained broad support in parliament. erstwhile Minister of the Interior Mákis Borídis, presently MP of fresh Democracy (Nea Democracy), stated:
"Who is in Greece illegally will never be able to get legalisation. specified a stay must end in deportation or imprisonment."
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotákis besides made his position clear:
"We will not let Greece to be a borderless place. Anyone breaking the law will endure the consequences. This is our commitment to citizens."
The Ministry stresses that Greece will become the first EU country with specified a hard and clear right towards illegal migration.
Since the announcement of the project, there has been a decline in the influx of migrants from North Africa to the Ionian islands and Crete. Minister Plevris pointed out this as a direct consequence of the fresh strategy:
"Our policy is dissuasive. erstwhile the rules and consequences are clear, illegal flow weakens.”
The task besides received a affirmative consequence from local authorities. The Kreta Prefecture, Stavros Arnautakis, assessed the cooperation with the ministry as "concrete and constructive" and added:
“This task gives us a chance to put things in order, to guarantee safety and decent conditions, without chaos and tension.”
The Ministry besides announced a revision of the funds transferred to NGOs operating in the migration area. The fresh rules are intended to increase transparency and to end NGO funding, which, according to the Ministry, acted without appropriate control. Plevris commented:
"It cannot be that millions of euros go to structures that are not liable for the effects. Transparency and accountability are needed – besides in the 3rd sector."
