Greece has intensified its immigration enforcement with a stark warning to potential migrants: "Don’t come here. We’ll put you in jail or send you home." This hardline approach reflects a tightening of policies aimed at curbing illegal entries and undocumented stays amid increasing migration pressures. The government, led by the conservative New Democracy party, has pledged to make penalties for illegal residence more severe than ever before, including prison sentences of up to five years.
Hardening of Migration Policy in Greece
Greece’s Migration Minister Makis Voridis recently announced significant new restrictions in migration policy, signaling the government’s intention to deter undocumented migrants from long-term stays. Under the new measures, illegal entry and residence will not only lead to penalties but the possibility of a prison sentence of up to five years. The law that previously allowed undocumented migrants to apply for residence permits after seven years will be abolished to ensure no regularization of illegal status occurs. Voridis warned that the longer migrants remain illegally, the harsher the consequences, making it clear the government is closing all avenues for those without proper documentation.
Beyond harsher penalties, administrative detention before deportation will be extended to a maximum of two years, an increase from the former limit of 18 months. Migrants may also face immediate deportation unless they accept voluntary repatriation. This crackdown comes amid substantial numbers of illegal entrants — Greece sees around 55,000 to 65,000 illegal arrivals yearly, with nearly half applying successfully for asylum. However, despite arrests of 74,000 undocumented migrants last year, only a small fraction (2,500) were deported, highlighting past challenges in enforcement now being addressed more aggressively.
Broader Context and Implementation
These measures form part of a broader shift in Greece’s migration and border control policies since the government came to power in 2019, aiming to fortify entry points by land and sea, which are key routes into Europe. With Greece bearing significant migration management burdens for a decade, the country has been the recipient of considerable EU support to improve infrastructure, streamline asylum procedures, and enhance protections for vulnerable groups. Despite this, domestic political pressure and public sentiment have pushed the government toward more stringent controls and legal frameworks targeting undocumented migrants.
While legal pathways for migration remain, including investor visas, digital nomad permits, and various residency programs, Greece’s stance on unauthorized migration is increasingly uncompromising. The residential permit system has been simplified and focused on skilled migrants and investors, in contrast to a policy that now criminalizes illegal entries more strictly. The migration minister’s stark public statements and legislative reforms reflect a decisive effort to send an unequivocal message to migrants: Greece no longer tolerates illegal presence and is prepared to enforce this rigorously with jail or deportation.
Potential Impact and Reactions
Greece’s new immigration crackdown is expected to impact both migration flows and the country’s international reputation. While it may act as a deterrent for unauthorized migrants considering Greece as an entry point into Europe, human rights organizations and asylum advocates have criticized the punitive approach, warning it could lead to violations of international humanitarian standards and further hardship for vulnerable people fleeing conflict or poverty.
At the same time, the Greek government argues that stronger border control and a tougher stance on illegal migration are necessary to maintain national security and manage limited resources effectively. The rhetoric from the Migration Minister, stating bluntly to prospective migrants "Don’t come here. We’ll put you in jail or send you home," encapsulates Greece’s firm resolve to change the face of its immigration landscape and reduce irregular migration through uncompromising enforcement policies.