Department of Immigration: The main changes brought by the new bill – Abolition of residence permits for those who have been living in the country illegally for 7 years

To establish a firmer framework for immigration control, the [**Ministry of Immigration**’s new bill](#) proposed by Minister **Makis Voridis** outlines several key changes. These include increasing the penalties for illegal entry, **making it a criminal offense to remain in the country unlawfully** after administrative procedures, and eliminating the option to grant residence permits to individuals who have been residing illegally for 7 years.

The bill aims to align with the forthcoming European immigration regulations set to be enforced in 2026. It includes mandatory reasons for denying entry, focusing on risks to public order, security, and health. Additionally, the time limits for processing these cases will be extended.

For those apprehended for illegal entry, the proposed bill will raise the minimum sentence from 3 months to at least 2 years, and in severe cases, from 6 months to a minimum of 3 years. Fines for these offenses could go up to **€10,000**.

Moreover, the legislation introduces criminal penalties for illegal residence following the resolution of administrative procedures. Offenders could face a minimum of three years in prison, a **€10,000** fine, and will not have the option for sentence reduction or suspension. However, the execution of the sentence may be temporarily halted if the offender voluntarily departs Greece.

Weeks prior, the **Minister of Immigration and Asylum** indicated that stricter measures were forthcoming, emphasizing that “an illegal immigrant whose asylum claim is rejected and who remains will encounter a significantly harsher institutional atmosphere.” The minister highlighted that enhancing the merit system and reinforcing administrative detention are crucial to optimizing the return mechanism.

The legislation also stipulates the removal of residency permits for individuals who have illegally entered and resided in the country for a period exceeding 7 years.

For voluntary departure, the timeframe for compliance will decrease from **25 to 14 days**, and the extension time for exceptional circumstances will shrink from **120 to 60 days**. Additionally, electronic monitoring will be mandated as a restrictive measure during the voluntary departure period.

Aligned with the new European Pact on Asylum and Migration, the bill revises certain definitions. For instance, the scope of the country of return following a denied asylum application will now include: a) the habitual residence of the applicant, b) safe third countries as denoted in Article 91 of Law No. 4939/2022 (A’ 111), and c) the first country where asylum was sought and deemed inadmissible.

The origin country is defined as the asylum seeker’s country of origin.

Furthermore, **the definitions concerning flight risk** will see stricter criteria added, such as: a) lack of a fixed residence, b) changing or abandoning a known residence without notifying authorities, and c) refusal to undergo biometric identification.

The bill is anticipated to be presented to Parliament for a vote by the end of June, following the completion of necessary procedures.