Greece Tightens Migration Policy: Abolishes Legalization and Introduces Criminal Penalties for Undocumented Migrants

In 2025, Greece is implementing significant changes to its migration policy, eliminating the possibility of legalization for undocumented migrants and introducing criminal penalties for illegal stay in the country.

Key Legislative Changes

Greek Migration Minister Makis Voridis announced the abolition of the provision that allowed undocumented migrants to apply for residency after seven years of living in the country. He emphasized that this rule had been "abused" and would no longer be in effect.

"From now on, whoever is in Greece illegally will never be legalized, will never get a residence permit," Voridis stated.
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The new bill, approved by the cabinet, includes:

Criminalization of illegal entry and stay, with penalties of up to five years in prison.

Extension of administrative detention for migrants from 18 to 24 months.

Elimination of the legalization program after seven years of residence.

Statistics and Deportation Challenges

In 2024, Greek police arrested 74,000 undocumented migrants, but only 2,500 were deported. The minister noted that many detainees provide false information about their country of origin, complicating the deportation process.

Reactions and Implications

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis supported the stricter migration policy, stating that the new measures aim to effectively manage migration flows.

However, human rights organizations express concern about potential violations of migrants' rights and call for humane treatment.