Greece’s parliament has passed a law that imposes strict penalties on asylum seekers whose applications are denied.
Starting now, individuals who do not leave the country within two weeks will face prison sentences of up to five years and fines of up to €10,000.
The move also expands maximum detention for undocumented migrants from 18 to 24 months and ends the option for long-term irregular residents to legalize their status.
These measures are a response to a recent surge in migrant arrivals via North Africa. The government also previously suspended asylum processing for arrivals from certain regions earlier this summer.
Under the new system, rejected applicants have just 14 days to leave. If they remain, they face criminal consequences and even electronic monitoring.
The law tightens deportation procedures and fast-tracks the return of individuals from EU-designated “safe countries.”
The United Nations refugee agency has raised concerns, warning that the law may penalize people in genuine need of protection.
Critics say the policy echoes the hardline position seen in other nations, including former U.S. approaches, by imposing indefinite detention in facilities compared to “Aegean Alcatraz.”
Supporters argue the law is necessary to protect Greek interests and manage increasing migration pressure. Authorities have already deported hundreds and plan more returns this month.
This marks one of the most severe asylum crackdowns in Europe in recent years. The policy shift raises difficult questions about balancing border control and adherence to international refugee protections in a country already under strain.