Greece to End Legalization Path for Irregular Migrants
Greece is set to introduce stricter immigration rules that will eliminate the possibility for undocumented migrants to gain legal status, even after years of residence in the country.
Greek Migration Minister Makis Voridis announced that the government plans to abolish the provision that currently allows irregular migrants to apply for residency after seven years of living in Greece. He emphasized that the rule has been abused and that the new policy will ensure that no one staying illegally will ever be legalized.
“From now on, whoever is in Greece illegally will never be legalized, will never get a residence permit,” Voridis stated.
According to the Minister, between 55,000 and 65,000 people enter Greece irregularly each year, with roughly half receiving asylum. In 2024, 74,000 irregular migrants were arrested, but only 2,500 were deported. Voridis noted that many detainees provide false nationalities, delaying deportation for months.
The proposed law, already approved by the cabinet and expected to pass in parliament, includes penalties of up to five years in prison for unauthorized entry and stay.
Although migration into Greece has declined by 30 percent in early 2025, new smuggling routes—particularly from Libya to Crete and Gavdos—have led to renewed concerns.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis confirmed that the tougher rules are part of a broader strategy to manage irregular migration more effectively, in line with recent EU discussions on allowing the return of rejected asylum seekers to safe third countries.
Source: Schengen News
