Greece tightens policies on immigrants! What will happen to seasonal workers?
2025-05-30 11:13:04
TiranaPost
Greece has announced stricter measures against illegal immigration, planning to scrap a rule that previously allowed irregular migrants to apply for a residence permit after seven years.
Migration Minister Makis Voridis stated that this practice has been abused and that “those who are in Greece illegally will never be legalized.” According to him, around 60,000 people enter the country illegally every year, while half of them receive asylum.
The new draft law provides for harsher penalties, including up to 5 years in prison for illegal entry and an extension of the pre-deportation detention period to up to 2 years.
However, Greece faces a labor shortage. According to the Bank of Greece, the economy needs about 200,000 workers. Therefore, the government plans to present new rules by July that will facilitate legal immigration, especially for seasonal work.
As the door to illegal immigration closes, that for seasonal workers may open – but under new conditions.
