Greece’s Parliament is reviewing a new bill titled “Promotion of Legal Migration Policies”, aimed at modernizing the country’s migration framework. The legislation seeks to simplify processes, enhance social cohesion, and strengthen the rule of law, according to the Ministry of Migration.
Temporary facilities in Crete
A proposed amendment would allow the government to establish temporary refugee facilities in Crete, in Heraklion and Chania, under ministerial authorization rather than the slower Presidential Decree process. These sites would facilitate initial reception, the separation of asylum seekers from non-asylum migrants, and the processing of asylum applications.
Migrants without a refugee profile would be placed in detention centers, with the law setting clear procedures for eventual return once asylum is denied. The bill also extends compensatory support to regional authorities beyond the municipalities most affected by migration pressures.
Simplifying residency and work permits
The bill introduces automatic renewals for “safe” categories of residence permits, including dependent employment, with a minimum two-year duration. It also streamlines the process for third-country workers, allowing for employer changes, temporary employment agencies as potential employers, and a fast-track system for workers in major public works or strategic investments.
Special provisions target skilled workers through new national visa categories like Tech Visa and Talent Visa, as well as faster consular procedures. Residency for highly skilled workers will also be extended through the Blue Card system. Students will benefit from permits covering their full studies, part-time work, and post-graduation job search opportunities.
International cooperation and labor integration
The legislation promotes bilateral agreements with countries of origin, focusing on the return of illegal residents and combating human trafficking. Programs are planned to train legally residing migrants in sectors facing labor shortages, such as construction, agriculture, and tourism, reducing reliance on social benefits and supporting integration into the labor market.
Crackdown on traffickers and NGO regulation
The bill enforces strict penalties for human trafficking, including life imprisonment for traffickers, and loss of legal status for anyone assisting illegal migration. NGOs will face stricter transparency rules, with registration streamlined but severe penalties, including removal from the official registry and loss of contracts, for involvement in migrant trafficking.
A Migration Policy Coordination Committee will be established to ensure effective implementation. Conditional release provisions with immediate deportation are included for migrants serving sentences for misdemeanor offenses.
