Greek Parliament Passes Law Criminalizing Assistance to Undocumented Migrants

Greek Parliament Passes Law Criminalizing Assistance to Undocumented Migrants
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The Greek parliament has approved a new law that criminalizes providing assistance to undocumented migrants, a move that directly targets individuals and non-governmental organizations involved in migration-related activities.

Under the legislation, anyone found helping migrants enter Greece illegally or facilitating their unlawful transfer to other countries faces severe penalties, including a minimum prison sentence of 10 years and fines of up to €50,000. The law also allows authorities to remove non-governmental organizations from official registries if any of their members are found to have facilitated irregular migration.

The legislation further eliminates any legal pathways for undocumented migrants to regularize their status or obtain residency, a measure that places Greece among the countries with the strictest migration laws in Europe.

Greek authorities say the law is aimed at curbing irregular migration and strengthening control over national borders by imposing harsh sanctions on those who assist illegal entry or movement. It also seeks to limit logistical or legal support that could encourage undocumented migration.

In addition, the law introduces tighter oversight of civil society organizations operating in the migration sector, with punitive measures designed to enforce compliance. The government says the legislation is intended to protect state sovereignty and send a clear warning against activities that violate national migration laws.