Greece Enacts Tough New Law on Rejected Asylum Seekers

On September 3, 2025, Greece's Parliament passed a controversial law imposing stringent penalties on rejected asylum seekers. The legislation, championed by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Migration Minister Thanos Plevris, mandates prison sentences of two to five years for undocumented migrants who fail to leave the country within 14 days of their asylum rejection. Additionally, fines can reach up to 10,000 euros, and the law accelerates the deportation process for those deemed ineligible for asylum.

New York TimesGreece Adopts Tougher Asylum Laws To Deter ImmigrationGreece OK’s Law to Jail Rejected Asylum Seekers Who Won’t LeaveReutersCritics say Greek migration bill violates conventionsBalkan InsightGreece to impose tougher penalties on rejected asylum seekers; speeds up return process

This legislative shift comes in response to a notable increase in migrant arrivals from North Africa, particularly Libya, with over 2,000 migrants landing on the island of Crete in early July 2025. The government had previously suspended asylum applications for three months for migrants arriving by sea from Africa, citing a need to deter human smuggling and illegal entry.

Greece to impose tougher penalties on rejected asylum seekers; speeds up return process

Thanos Plevris defended the law in Parliament, asserting that the rights of Greek citizens to secure their borders take precedence over those of rejected asylum seekers. He emphasized that the legislation aligns with the European Union's Migration Pact and aims to balance humanitarian obligations with national security. Plevris stated, “If your asylum is rejected, you have two choices. Either you will go to prison or you will return to your homeland.” He also noted that the new measures are necessary to manage the increasing number of migrants and to ensure compliance with return procedures.

Thanos Plevris Defends Tough Migration Bill, Targets Leftist Critics -

The new law has faced significant backlash from opposition parties and human rights organizations. Critics, including members of the centre-left PASOK and left-wing SYRIZA parties, have labeled the legislation as abusive and racist. Nadia Giannakopoulou, a PASOK MP, described it as “a law of lawlessness and chaos,” while Giorgos Psychogios from SYRIZA called it “an inhuman bill” that promotes institutional racism. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has also expressed concerns, stating that certain provisions risk penalizing individuals in need of international protection.

Balkan Insight

While the Greek government claims that the new law will effectively manage migration and reduce arrivals, critics argue that it may be difficult to enforce due to overcrowded prisons and the potential for human rights violations. The European Union border agency, Frontex, is currently reviewing cases of alleged human rights abuses by Greek authorities, including accusations of unlawful pushbacks at sea and land borders.

Greece Adopts Tougher Asylum Laws To Deter Immigration

The enactment of this law reflects a broader trend across Europe, where several countries are tightening immigration policies in response to rising migration pressures. Greece's approach, characterized by increased border security and harsher penalties for undocumented migrants, raises questions about the balance between national security and humanitarian responsibilities. As Greece navigates its role in the European migration framework, the implications of this legislation will likely resonate beyond its borders, influencing discussions on migration policy throughout the continent.

Greece to impose tougher penalties on rejected asylum seekers; speeds up return process

• “You only have one choice: to go back. You’re not welcome.” — Thanos Plevris, Migration Minister

New York Times

• “a law of lawlessness and chaos” — Nadia Giannakopoulou, PASOK MP

Balkan Insight

• “Migration Minister Thanos Plevris told parliament on Tuesday that the rights of Greeks who want to protect their country outweighed the rights of someone whose asylum was rejected and was staying in Greece illegally.” — Thanos Plevris, Migration Minister

Reuters

• “High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said the law risked penalizing migrants in need of international protection.” — UNHCR Statement

Reuters

This new legislation marks a significant shift in Greece's approach to migration, raising critical questions about the treatment of asylum seekers and the country's adherence to international human rights standards.

Greece to impose tougher penalties on rejected asylum seekers; speeds up return process