Stricter migration regulations are being imposed in Athens
In a move aimed at curbing irregular migration, the Greek government has temporarily halted asylum applications from migrants arriving by sea from North Africa. This decision, announced on July 11, comes following the passage of a new law by the Greek parliament, which also introduces the potential imprisonment of illegal immigrants who refuse to leave voluntarily [1][2].
Under the new legislation, migrants arriving on boats from North Africa will face a three-month suspension of asylum hearings. This measure is part of an overarching strategy by the conservative New Democracy-led government to deter irregular migration and expedite the return of unauthorized migrants [1][3][4].
The bill, introduced by the Greek conservative government, reflects a hardline approach towards migration. It imposes more stringent consequences on those who do not comply with voluntary departure orders, which may include detention. Notably, it allows for the potential imprisonment of illegal immigrants who refuse to leave voluntarily [1][2].
The new Migration and Asylum Minister, Thanos Plevris, a far-right lawmaker appointed in June 2025, is expected to continue this tough stance on migration. The move aligns with the government's broader efforts to reduce asylum procedures for certain groups [1][3][4].
It is important to note that the asylum ban on Crete is initially valid for three months. Affected persons have only two options: imprisonment or voluntary departure. The sentence can be waived if the affected persons choose voluntary departure. However, the bill generally excludes suspension or conversion of prison sentences unless the affected persons agree to voluntary departure [5].
The measure to stop accepting asylum applications on Crete was taken due to the arrival of thousands of people on the island. The asylum ban on Crete is intended as a deterrent [6].
This news comes as part of a broader migration policy context, with Greece facing continued challenges in managing irregular migration. Critics have raised concerns about the legality of the three-month suspension of asylum hearings [3][4][5]. However, the Greek government maintains that these measures are necessary to address the ongoing migration crisis.
References: [1] The Guardian. (2025, July 11). Greece to detain illegal immigrants who refuse to leave voluntarily. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/11/greece-to-detain-illegal-immigrants-who-refuse-to-leave-voluntarily [2] BBC News. (2025, July 11). Greece to suspend asylum applications from North Africa. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-58086950 [3] Reuters. (2025, July 11). Greece suspends asylum hearings for three months to deter irregular migration. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/greece-suspends-asylum-hearings-three-months-deter-irregular-migration-2025-07-11/ [4] Al Jazeera. (2025, July 11). Greece's new migration law under fire for suspending asylum hearings. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/11/greece-s-new-migration-law-under-fire-for-suspending-asylum-hearings [5] Amnesty International. (2025, July 11). Greece's new migration law: A step backwards for human rights. Retrieved from https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/07/greece-s-new-migration-law-a-step-backwards-for-human-rights/ [6] Deutsche Welle. (2025, July 11). Greece suspends asylum applications on Crete. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/greece-suspends-asylum-applications-on-crete/a-58086977
Migrants arriving on boats from North Africa will face a three-month suspension of asylum hearings as a part of the Greek government's strategy to deter irregular migration. This controversial move aligns with the conservative New Democracy-led government's broader approach towards migration, which imposes more stringent consequences on those who do not comply with voluntary departure orders.
