Greece implements strict immigration law amid growing crisis

Greece takes a hardline approach to immigration amid rising pressures on its borders.

Greece enforces strict immigration law as crisis deepens

Thanos Plevris, Greece's new immigration minister, has taken a strong stance against illegal immigration amid a growing crisis. In an interview, he stated that migrants who enter Greece illegally can expect to face either five years in prison or deportation. This tough message targets predominantly young men from countries like Egypt and Pakistan, who are fleeing economic hardship. Plevris asserted that Greece can no longer serve as a transit point for economic migrants aiming to enter Europe. The Greek parliament has recently passed legislation that suspends asylum applications for illegal arrivals from North Africa due to what they term an extraordinary migration emergency. This year, 10,000 migrants have already reached Crete, which has strained resources and overwhelmed local authorities.

The stringent measures introduced by Greece reflect broader issues surrounding migration in Europe. By treating illegal entries as criminal acts and prioritizing deportation, Greece is positioning itself as a fortress against what officials have deemed an avalanche of economic migrants. While some Greeks support this approach, many migrant rights advocates warn that it dehumanizes individuals fleeing difficult circumstances. The new law starkly contrasts with Europe's previous stance on accepting asylum seekers, which now seems in jeopardy as political and social tensions rise in response to the ongoing crisis.

Highlights

The implications of Greece's new immigration policy may resonate across Europe.