European country to impose strict laws on asylum seekers | World | News
Greece is cracking down on rejected asylum seekers by preparing legislation that will impose tougher penalties and speed up returns to their home countries. Greece, a gateway to Europe for people arriving from the Middle East and Africa, saw a surge in the number of asylum seekers arriving in 2024.
The country saw the number of migrants and refugees rise by 35% in the first 11 months of 2024, reaching 57,363—the highest number since 2019, according to an analysis of UNHCR data. Greece has become a major transit and destination country for refugees, with thousands passing through the popular Eastern Mediterranean route. Last year, Greek authorities noted a sharp increase in the number of asylum seekers arriving.
During the first two months of 2024 approximately 1000 migrants arrived from the southern coast of Turkey to Crete compared to 750 in the whole of 2023.
The country is now strengthening its borders with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis vowing on Wednesday, May 28, that they will toughen their stance by introducing a new bill.
“Penalties will be heavier for those who enter the country illegally or stay in our country, if their asylum application is being rejected,” Mitsotakis told a cabinet meeting, which discussed a new draft law on illegal migration.
Mitsotakis said the bill will also aim to speed up returns through a “more effective and fair mechanism”. The regulations will need parliamentary approval before taking effect.
The approval, slated for June, is all but certain given the government has a majority.
The country’s migration minister, Makis Voridis told broadcaster Skai: “It is absolutely crucial that we organise legal immigration properly, so that the needs of the economy are met.”
The flow of migrants to Greece fell by 30% during the first four months of this year compared to the year previous, as fewer people entered along the eastern border with Turkey.
However, sea arrivals from Libya to the islands of Crete and Gavdos have rapidly increased in recent months, along a new trafficking route in the Mediterranean Sea.
According to data by Eurostat Germany remains the primary destination for first-time asylum applications in the EU receiving a quarter of all first-time applications in the EU. Spain followed with 18%, then Italy (17%), France (14%), and Greece (8%).
Breakdown of the top ten EU countries by share of first-time asylum applications in 2024:
- Germany – 229,750
- Spain – 164,035
- Italy – 151,120
- France – 130,950
- Greece – 68,995
- Belgium – 33, 095
- Netherlands – 32,000
- Switzeland – 22,750
- Austria – 21,835
- Ireland – 18,435
