It was voted for yesterday in the principle and on its articles, by the Plenary of the House, the bill of the Ministry of Immigration and Asylum entitled: “Reforming a framework and procedures for third -country citizens – other arrangements by the Ministry of Immigration and Asylum”.

The new institutional framework is coming to strengthen state tools to tackle illegal immigration, prevent abuses in the asylum system and facilitate third -country nationals.

The criminalization of illegal residence in the country with a prison sentence of 2 to 5 years and a minimum fine of EUR 5,000 is introduced. The possibility of legalization through a long -term unlawful residence of 7 years is abolished and subsequent international protection applications are limited to prevent abusive practices. Administrative detention is provided for up to 24 months, with no suspensive effect on objections, and the deadline for voluntary departure is shortened to 14 days with electronic surveillance.

The concept of ‘return country’ is expanded and the risk risk criteria are updated, a mandatory reason for banning entry in the event of a risk for public order and security is established, while extending its duration of up to ten years.

“I say it with great pride, I am glad that I am a minister of this government that is coming and instituting the offense of illegally staying in the country. When someone is rejected in asylum and has violated the Greek law by remaining illegally in the Greek territory, he will also have administrative detention and electronic surveillance and criminal penalties, “said the Minister of Migration and Asylum, Mr. Plevris, completing the debate, adding:

“We have to account for Greek citizens. And Greek citizens want to be protected. And Greek citizens want to have returns. The message is clear. If you are here and entitled to international protection you will receive asylum. If your asylum is rejected, your choices are two. Or you will go to prison or return home. The Greek state does not accept you. You are not tolerated once and you entered illegally. You have a choice to go back. You’re not welcome ».

21 Questions and Answers for the Migration and Asylum Ministry’s bill for illegal immigration

1) What changes in the definition of the “return country”?

The concept is expanded to include not only the country of habitual residence, but also the safe third country and the first country asylum, provided that the application is rejected as inadmissible.

2) In relation to the “risk of escape”, what does the bill provide?

The criteria become more objective and strict. Examples: The lack of a stable home, the change of place without information and the refusal to identify or take biometrics.

3) What is the practical benefit of these changes?

The risk of delays decreases, accelerate returns and reduce the phenomenon of so -called Asylum Shopping.

4) What will be the new deadline for voluntary departure?

From 25 days it is reduced to 14. In exceptional cases it can be extended to 60 days, instead of 120 in force so far.

5) Electronic surveillance is added. What does this mean?

It gives an intermediate solution between complete freedom and detention. So we can better monitor the realization of voluntary departure.

6) What does the administration win?

Cost is reduced and compliance is boosted without the need for immediate reservation.

7) In what cases is it now mandatory to ban entry into the Greek territory?

When there is a risk to public order, national security or public health.

8) And for how long can it apply?

Up to 10 years, with the possibility of extension for another 5.

9) What is the message that this change sends?

That there is no tolerance for re -entry offenders. It is a measure of deterrence and protection of our society.

10) What penalties are provided for illegal residence?

Minimum imprisonment of two (2) years and a minimum fine of EUR 5,000.

11) Is it possible to suspend?

Only if the offender voluntarily departs. In this case, the inhibition is activated with departure.

12) Why such a strict framework?

The aim is to emphasize the criminal depravity of the illegal residence for the Greek legal order, for which it is not tolerated to stay on its territory by a foreigner who has lost this right.

13) What changes does the bill bring to the administrative detention?

The reasons are expanded to include security issues. Also, the appeal against detention no longer has a suspensive effect. Finally, the maximum duration is extended from 18 to 24 months with six -month control.

14) Why was this extension deemed necessary?

To give sufficient time to the principles for the identification and issuance of travel documents, but also for the protection of public security.

15) What are the new penalties for those who enter or re -enter?

For illegal entry, imprisonment of at least 2 years and fines of at least 5,000 euros.

For illegal reassessment from an adverse list: imprisonment of at least 3 years and increased fine of at least € 10,000.

The conversion/suspension of the sentence is excluded; only suspension only if the perpetrator voluntarily departs from Greece, so the suspension starts from departure.

16) What is the issue?

To discourage reassurance after removal and show that the rules have consequences.

17) What has been changing for those who have been left illegally for over 7 years?

The possibility of acquiring a residence permit is abolished only because of their prolonged presence.

18) With what purpose?

In order not to motivate non -compliance and to connect stay with legal procedures.

19) How will the abuse of the asylum system be limited?

With stricter rules for subsequent applications and with new rapid return tools in abusive cases.

20) What does this mean in practice?

Whatever the procedure will be accelerated, resources will be directed to truly well -founded applications and the system will become more reliable.

21) What will be the general effects of the bill?

Illegal residence and relapse will be reduced, thanks to stricter penalties and faster procedures.

The Asylum Service, the Greek Police and the Courts will be decomposed.

Administrative resources will be directed to real international protection needs. Legal armor will be enhanced, with clearer definitions and criteria.