Migration Minister Thanos Plevris unveiled a strict overhaul of Greece’s immigration code Tuesday, declaring that "illegal immigration is a problem" and vowing to permanently block undocumented arrivals from gaining legal status.
In a rancorous parliamentary debate, Mr. Plevris outlined a draft bill designed to bifurcate the system: a harsh crackdown on illegal entry paired with streamlined residency procedures for the 800,000 foreign nationals already living legally in the country.
"The rules of the game are now clear," Mr. Plevris told lawmakers. "Anyone who arrives illegally will never become legal."
Rejecting the term "irregular" in favor of "illegal," Mr. Plevris framed the language shift as a core ideological distinction between the center-right government and the opposition. He insisted the legislation ensures that no pathway exists to convert illegal status into legal residency.
While closing the door on new undocumented arrivals, the bill seeks to stabilize the existing legal workforce in a country of 10 million. Mr. Plevris announced that residence permits will now be valid for two years, with new provisions guaranteeing automatic renewals if administrative checks face bureaucratic delays.
The proposal comes as Athens attempts to balance labor market demands with a rigid border security agenda, sparking heated exchanges over the future of migration policy in the eastern Mediterranean.