Greece is set to impose stricter penalties on rejected asylum seekers and accelerate their deportation, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Wednesday, unveiling a draft law aimed at tightening migration rules.
The new bill, discussed at a cabinet meeting, would toughen the consequences for those who enter or remain in Greece after their asylum claims are denied.
“Penalties will be heavier for those who enter illegally or stay if their application is rejected,” Mitsotakis said, adding that the proposed law would also establish a “more effective and fair mechanism” for returning rejected asylum seekers to their home countries.
The bill requires parliamentary approval to come into force.
Greece, a key entry point during the 2015-2016 migration crisis, has seen arrivals fall by 30% in the first four months of this year compared with last year. However, a new smuggling route from Libya has pushed up sea arrivals to Crete and Gavdos in recent months.
The EU’s executive last week proposed changes to European law to allow member states to deport rejected asylum seekers to third countries deemed safe.