Greece is set to abolish the existing provision allowing irregular migrants to apply for residency after seven years, according to Migration Minister Makis Voridis. The decision reflects concerns over the abuse of the rule, which previously offered a pathway to legalization based on prolonged illegal residence.
Minister Voridis emphasized, "The longer you were in the country illegally, the bigger your prize," highlighting the previous system's flaws. He declared that anyone currently residing illegally in Greece will no longer be eligible for legalization or residence permits under the new policy.
Each year, approximately 55,000 to 65,000 people enter Greece illegally, with about half receiving asylum. However, law enforcement faces challenges: last year, police arrested 74,000 irregular migrants but managed to deport only 2,500. Many detainees complicate deportation by providing false countries of origin, delaying the process for months.
The newly approved draft law, which has government backing and awaits parliamentary approval in June, imposes stricter penalties, including up to five years imprisonment for illegal entry and residence. Administrative detention before deportation will be extended from a maximum of 18 months to two years. Migrants opting for voluntary repatriation will avoid sanctions.
To complement these tougher measures, new regulations to promote legal migration are expected by July. This is particularly significant given Greece's labor shortage, with the Bank of Greece governor, Yiannis Stournaras, estimating a deficit of approximately 200,000 workers.
