Greece is set to introduce stricter penalties for illegal immigrants and individuals whose asylum applications have been rejected, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced on Wednesday.
The move comes as part of a new draft law aimed at tightening border controls and expediting deportations, reports Reuters.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting, Mitsotakis emphasized the need for tougher measures to address illegal migration, warning that those entering the country unlawfully or remaining after their asylum claims are denied will face more severe consequences.
“Penalties will be heavier for those who enter the country illegally or stay in our country if their asylum application is being rejected,” the Prime Minister said.
The proposed legislation also includes provisions to accelerate returns through what Mitsotakis described as a “more effective and fair mechanism.”
The draft law will require approval by the Greek parliament before implementation.
Although overall migrant flows to Greece have declined, dropping 30% in the first four months of this year compared to the same period last year, new challenges have emerged.
While crossings along the eastern border with Turkey have decreased, sea arrivals from Libya to islands such as Crete and Gavdos have increased recently, revealing a new smuggling route through the Mediterranean.
Thousands of failed asylum seekers currently remain stranded in Greece, placing additional strain on the country’s asylum system.
In a related effort to ease such pressure, the European Commission on May 20, proposed reforms to allow EU member states to deport rejected asylum seekers to third countries considered safe by the bloc.
The European Commission said the changes would speed up asylum processing and ease pressure on asylum systems by allowing countries to send applicants to EU-approved safe third countries.
