Greece issues new migration regulation: Prison warning for those who refuse to leave
Greece has introduced stricter measures targeting irregular migrants. According to a new circular issued by Migration and Asylum Minister Thanos Plevris, migrants residing illegally in the country will now receive official information forms warning them of possible imprisonment if they fail to leave Greece voluntarily.
Under the new directive, these forms will be distributed to irregular migrants held in closed detention centers, reception and identification facilities, and asylum application units.
Detention and Imprisonment Penalties
According to the circular, individuals without refugee status or international protection will be considered as “persons who entered and remain in the country illegally.” In such cases, rejected asylum seekers may face:
- Administrative detention for up to 24 months, and
- Prison sentences ranging from 2 to 5 years.
The document also emphasizes that the only way to avoid these penalties is to leave the country voluntarily, noting that the best time to do so is before submitting an asylum application.
Zero Tolerance for Violence
The new directive also introduces stricter rules for behavior in migrant facilities. Any irregular migrant involved in acts of violence or posing a security threat will have their asylum application immediately rejected.
Reactions and Analysis
Greek media outlets have interpreted the circular as a sign of the government’s increasingly punitive approach to migration policy.
Experts warn that the regulation could rekindle human rights debates, particularly in border regions where enforcement practices are already under scrutiny.
(Source: Anadolu Agency)
