Greek Parliament has approved a new law targeting asylum seekers who remain in the country after their applications have been denied. Under the legislation, individuals whose asylum requests are rejected and who do not depart within 14 days could face imprisonment. The ruling aims to strengthen immigration enforcement and manage the country’s migration flow.
The law specifies that those who fail to leave Greece after their asylum claims are rejected will be subject to detention, with potential penalties of up to a specified period of imprisonment. Authorities have indicated that the measure seeks to encourage compliance and streamline the removal process for undocumented migrants.
Human rights groups have raised concerns about the potential impact of the law on asylum seekers and migrants. Critics argue that the legislation may undermine protections granted under international refugee conventions and could lead to the unlawful detention of vulnerable individuals. Despite such criticisms, the government maintains that the law is necessary to address irregular migration and ensure national security.
The legislative change comes amid ongoing debates within Greece regarding immigration policy and border management. Authorities emphasize the law’s role in maintaining order, though it has already sparked discussions about the balance between security measures and human rights obligations.