Greek Ombudsman raises concerns over new migration bill
Greece’s Ombudsman has voiced serious objections to key provisions in a new migration bill proposed by the center-right government, ahead of a parliamentary vote scheduled for next Tuesday.
The office warned that harsh penalties for NGO members deemed to be assisting illegal migrant entry risk criminalizing humanitarian aid, failing to distinguish between profit-driven smuggling and life-saving support. The draft also proposes criminal sanctions for refugees entering illegally, which the Ombudsman says contradict the Geneva Convention.
Concerns were raised over the vague use of the term “assists,” which could be interpreted broadly. The Ombudsman noted that many NGOs provide essential humanitarian, legal, and social services to migrants and refugees, regardless of their legal status. Stricter measures, it warned, could leave many migrants undocumented and homeless.
On the positive side, the Ombudsman praised legal migration provisions aimed at resolving long-standing issues but stressed that effective implementation will require proper staff training.
