In public consultation the new bill on illegal immigration

Today put on public consultation the bill of Ministry of Immigration and Asylum entitled: “Reforming a framework and procedures for third -country citizens”, which “significantly enhances the country’s institutional arsenal against illegal migration And it updates Greek law. “

At the same time, “it is forming rules and procedures implemented to return illegally third -country nationals, applying the guidelines of the proposal of the new European Rules of Procedure,” the same statement said.

In addition, the new draft law comes “to fill in the implementation of the existing framework, proposing the need for effective return management, preventing asylum abuse and enhancing legal order”

The key points of the bill

The definitions are updated in accordance with the guidelines of the new regulation, and in particular, the concept of a country of return is expanded. Added as returning countries: (a) the country of habitual residence, (b) the safe third country, as defined in Article 91 of Law 4939/2022 (A ‘111), by which the application for international protection was rejected as inadmissible and (c) the first country asylum by which the application for international protection was rejected as unacceptable.

At the same time, the risk of escaping risk definitions in a stricter direction. They are added as objective criteria that are a risk of escape (a) the non -residential or well -known residence, (b) the unprecedented information of the competent authorities abandonment or change of place of residence or well -known residence, and (c) refusing to identify with biometrics or other means.

In relation to voluntary departures, the deadlines for voluntary departure (25 days -> 14 days) are reduced, as well as for the extension of voluntary departure for exceptional reasons (120 days -> 60 days) and an electronic surveillance as a restrictive measure during the deadline.

For the ban on entry into the country, a framework is foreseen, in accordance with the guidelines of the Regulation and as a compulsory reason for prohibition of entry, the risk of the presence of the third country for public order and security, national security and public health. At the same time, the duration of a prohibition of entry (5 years in 10 years) is extended and the possibility of extending it up to 5 years is introduced.

The bill also provides for the criminalization of illegal residence in the country after the completion of the administrative procedure. Specifically, it provides:

– Imprisonment of at least three years, a fine of 10,000 euros, inappropriate converting or suspension of sentence.

– Possibility of suspending a penalty on the condition of a third -country citizen’s declaration of a voluntary departure from Greece. Suspension starts with departure from the country.

– The choices of anyone who remains illegally in the country will be two: prison or return.

Regarding the detention, the reasons for a detention and security issues are expanded and there is an explicit provision for irreversible detention in the event of objections, extension of detention duration, including foreseen extensions, in accordance with the guidelines of the Rules from 18 months to 24 and re -examination.

There is also an increase in a fine of those who return to the country illegally, from € 3,000 to 10,000 to 10,000 to 30,000 euros, as well as the penalty limits for those who enter the country illegally, from 3 months to at least 2 years, in the case of aggravating cases from 6 months in at least 3 years. There is also a restriction on the possibility of later applications for international protection, as well as the abolition of a residence permit for those who have been living in the country for 7 years.

“The bill is an important step in restoring the balance between respect for human rights and preserving legal order, social cohesion and national security,” the ministry said in a statement.

Consultation is accessible to the Opengov.gr platform on the link here.