Greece’s parliament has passed a law imposing tougher penalties on rejected asylum seekers, including detention of up to 24 months and fines of up to €10,000, while expediting returns to home countries.
Migration Minister Thanos Plevris said “the rights of Greeks… outweighed the rights” of those staying illegally.
The UNHCR warned the law risks penalising migrants needing protection and urged fast-track asylum procedures.
The Mitsotakis government, which has already expanded border fences and sea patrols, said hundreds have been returned since July, with more flights planned to Pakistan, Bangladesh and Egypt.
Source: Ekathimerini.
