Greece’s new refugee deportation law has sparked criticism from rights groups and the United Nations, who argue it criminalises migration and violates international protections.
The legislation, described by Migration Minister Thanos Plevris as the EU’s “strictest returns policy,” was first enforced on 12 September when three Turkish citizens received prison terms and fines for illegal residence.
Key measures include: • Rejected asylum seekers fitted with ankle monitors and given two weeks to leave. • Penalties of €5,000 and up to five years’ detention for non-compliance. • Children included, despite objections from Save the Children and the Greek Ombudsman. • Appeals reduced to four days.
The UNHCR says seeking asylum “is not a criminal offence, but a human right.” Humanitarian organisations plan legal challenges, warning the law risks stigmatising refugees as criminals.
Athens argues the policy is necessary to protect EU borders, though critics say it undermines human rights and long-term migration needs.
🇬🇷🇪🇺 Greece’s new refugee deportation law has sparked criticism from rights groups and the United Nations, who argue it criminalises migration and violates international protections. The legislation, described by Migration Minister Thanos Plevris as the EU’s “strictest returns policy,” was first enforced on 12 September when three Turkish citizens received prison terms and fines for illegal residence. Key measures include: • Rejected asylum seekers fitted with ankle monitors and given two weeks to leave. • Penalties of €5,000 and up to five years’ detention for non-compliance. • Children included, despite objections from Save the Children and the Greek Ombudsman. • Appeals reduced to four days. The UNHCR says seeking asylum “is not a criminal offence, but a human right.” Humanitarian organisations plan legal challenges, warning the law risks stigmatising refugees as criminals. Athens argues the policy is necessary to protect EU borders, though critics say it undermines human rights and long-term migration needs. ℹ️ @Al Jazeera English #greece#europeanunion#migration#humanright#migrantcrisis
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