The Greek Parliament has passed a contentious amendment introducing a three-month suspension on asylum applications for migrants entering the country without formal authorization via sea from Libya and other North African countries.
The measure, proposed by the Ministry of Migration, was adopted with a broader majority, drawing support from 177 lawmakers representing the ruling New Democracy party, the right-wing Greek Solution, and several independent MPs.
Out of 293 members present, the center-left PASOK and the far-right NIKI party abstained, registering a neutral stance. The amendment faced opposition from SYRIZA, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), Course of Freedom, and New Left, all of whom voted against it.
Prior to the vote, Parliament dismissed objections raised by opposition parties regarding the amendment’s constitutionality. These objections centered on the claim that the measure contravenes fundamental rights guaranteed under both national and international law.
At the heart of the government’s justification lies a reference to Article 15 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which permits temporary derogation from certain obligations in times of national emergency.
In the explanatory memorandum accompanying the amendment, the government invoked the need to protect “the life of the nation” against what it describes as a severe public danger posed by irregular maritime arrivals from North Africa.
The amendment stipulates that, for a period of three months, individuals arriving by sea from North African countries without formal authorization will not be permitted to file asylum applications.
Additionally, these individuals may be returned—without formal registration—to their country of origin or departure. The government argues that the measure is grounded in Greece’s sovereign right and constitutional duty to safeguard its national integrity.
The legislation has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and human rights groups, who have denounced it as discriminatory and in breach of international obligations.
