The Greek Parliament is debating a new immigration bill that the government says will overhaul the Migration Code, but opposition parties from both right and left criticize the legislation.
Minister of Migration and Asylum Thanos Plevris presented the bill, emphasizing that Greece will not grant legal status to illegal migrants. “The main rule is clear: anyone who enters illegally will never become legal,” Plevris said. He also rejected the term “irregular migrant,” insisting that “illegal” accurately reflects the ideological divide between center-right and center-left approaches to migration.
The bill strengthens measures against illegal entry and stays while simplifying procedures for migrants who are already in the country legally. Plevris noted that about 800,000 foreign workers currently hold legal status, and residence permits will last two years with provisions for safe renewals when administrative delays occur without aggravating factors.
Legal residency will be closely tied to employment. The minister stressed that lawful migration exists to meet labor market needs, warning that permits could be revoked if holders remain unemployed for extended periods. “The idea is not to come here with a permit and stay without working,” he said.
The government is negotiating with Denmark, Austria, the Netherlands, and Germany to create an external return center for migrants who cannot be immediately repatriated. Bilateral agreements with countries sharing Greece’s values will include explicit return provisions for those who enter or stay illegally.
The bill also addresses asylum, NGOs, and unaccompanied minors. Plevris proposed linking asylum to labor market integration and relocating asylum seekers away from major urban centers. The government plans stricter NGO registration requirements and will require competitive processes instead of direct contracts for organizations receiving funding.
Regarding unaccompanied minors, Plevris stated that most are close to adulthood, and the current rules act as a “magnet.” The proposed changes aim to prevent prolonged stays without a clear refugee profile.
Opposition parties criticized the bill heavily. PASOK MP Nadia Giannakopoulou called it “inadequate and risky for social cohesion” and accused Plevris of “declaring war on our migrant neighbors.” SYRIZA’s Giorgos Psychogios said the bill portrays migrants as both necessary and threatening, calling for dialogue on integration. KKE MP Maria Komninaka described it as “hypocrisy” serving corporate interests, while New Left’s Dimitris Tzanakopoulos accused the government of “weaponizing migrants.” Greek Solution MP Vasilis Grammenos argued that the bill initially allows, then legalizes, illegality, turning Greece into a “population manager” rather than a sovereign state.
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