Greece Moves to Toughen Migration Rules & End Path to Legalization for Irregular Migrants

Greece is preparing to enforce stricter immigration laws aimed at ending the regularization of undocumented migrants and expediting deportations. Under a new draft law approved by the Greek cabinet, authorities plan to abolish a provision that allowed irregular migrants to apply for residency after seven years of stay in the country.

"Illegal Stay Will No Longer Lead to Legal Status," Says Greek Migration Minister

Greek Migration Minister Makis Voridis stated that the proposed legislation will remove any future path to legal residence for those who enter or stay in Greece without authorization. “From now on, whoever is in Greece illegally will never be legalized, will never get a residence permit,” Voridis declared in a recent interview with Skai TV.

He criticized the existing system that rewarded longer periods of illegal stay with the chance to obtain legal status and emphasized the need to uphold the rule of law.

Thousands Detained, Few Deported in 2024

According to Voridis, over 74,000 irregular migrants were detained in Greece in 2024, yet only 2,500 were successfully deported. Many detainees reportedly obstruct deportation by providing false nationalities, significantly delaying the process. The new legislation would introduce harsher penalties, including up to five years in prison for illegal entry and residence.

Migration Decreases Overall, but Smuggling Routes Emerge

While irregular migration into Greece dropped by 30% in early 2025 compared to the previous year, new smuggling routes from Libya to Crete and Gavdos have seen an uptick. Authorities believe these new paths pose additional challenges for border security.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accelerating returns of rejected asylum seekers and preventing illegal migration through stronger enforcement.

Aligning with EU Return Policy Reforms

Greece's new migration strategy coincides with a broader effort across the European Union to enforce stricter return policies. In December 2024, the European Commission proposed that EU member states expedite the removal of rejected asylum seekers to designated safe third countries. The aim is to enhance the efficiency of the EU’s migration system and reduce pressure on front-line countries like Greece.

The new Greek legislation is expected to pass in parliament next month, given the government’s majority.