| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| ➡️ Greece has permanently halted programs that allowed undocumented migrants to legalize their status after residing in the country for three years. ➡️ Migrants with denied asylum claims will face a mandatory minimum two-year jail sentence, which will only be lifted upon deportation. ➡️ The new policies are in line with the European Union’s 2025 strategy to accelerate deportations, including allowing returns to designated “safe third countries.” |
Greece is rolling out a major shift in its immigration policy, aiming to tighten border controls, restrict mass legalizations, and enforce stricter penalties for undocumented migrants.
The changes, announced by Migration Minister Makis Voridis, are expected to take effect in summer 2025 and align with broader European Union goals to streamline deportation procedures and curb irregular migration.
Key Changes Under Greece’s New Immigration Rules
| Policy Change | Details |
| End of Mass Legalizations | No renewal of programs that allowed undocumented migrants to gain legal status after three years of residence. |
| Mandatory Jail Time | Rejected asylum seekers will face a minimum of two years imprisonment, commuted only upon deportation. |
| Stricter Sentencing | Replaces the previous six-month suspended sentences for migrants failing to leave. |
| New Migration Bill | Includes faster return processes and stronger border enforcement. Requires parliamentary approval. |
| Deportation Focus | Greece will prioritize deportations, reflecting EU-wide plans for 2025. |
EU Alignment and Regional Implications
Greece’s revised policies echo a broader European Union push to make deportations more effective. According to the European Commission, approximately 80% of deportation orders across the EU are currently not executed. In Greece, officials report an even higher non-enforcement rate, prompting calls for the EU to standardize criteria for legal residency.
“Economic necessity alone cannot justify legal migration,” Voridis emphasized in a recent interview, warning that such a stance would overwhelm Europe.
The End of Legalization Programs
In March 2025, Greece officially concluded a legalization initiative that had enabled around 40,000 undocumented migrants to regularize their status. These individuals had to prove they had been living in the country for at least three years. Authorities argue the program incentivized illegal entry and extended stays without status.
Border Control and Asylum Pressures
Greece remains a primary entry route into Europe, especially during crises such as the 2015–2016 migrant surge. Although migrant flows dropped by 30% in early 2025 compared to the previous year—particularly along the eastern border with Turkiye—the southern sea route from Libya has seen a sharp rise in activity. Islands like Crete and Gavdos are experiencing increased arrivals along these new smuggling pathways.
Prime Minister’s Commitment to Stricter Enforcement
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has reaffirmed the government’s tough stance on illegal migration. At a recent cabinet meeting, he announced plans to introduce a “more effective and fair” return mechanism, streamlining deportations and reducing system backlogs.
“Penalties will be heavier for those who enter illegally or remain after a failed asylum claim,” Mitsotakis declared.
EU Legal Framework and Third-Country Returns
In support of member states like Greece, the European Commission recently proposed amendments to existing asylum laws. These changes would allow deportations to third countries deemed “safe” by the EU, even if they are not the migrant’s country of origin. The goal is to reduce administrative burdens and discourage repeated, unsuccessful asylum applications.
What is happening in Greece?
Greece’s new immigration rules mark a decisive shift toward enforcement and deterrence, setting a precedent that may influence EU-wide policy in the coming years. With parliamentary debates and legal reviews ahead, the full impact of these reforms will unfold in 2025 and beyond—but the message is already clear: Greece is closing loopholes and reinforcing its borders.