Greece lawmakers to reduce number of undocumented migrants

(MENAFN)
Lawmakers in Greece have passed a heavily debated legal measure aimed at reducing the number of undocumented migrants arriving by sea, particularly from Libya and other North African nations, as stated by reports.

The measure, introduced by the country’s migration authorities, received backing from 177 members of parliament. It was supported by representatives from the governing center-right party, a prominent right-wing group, and several unaffiliated MPs. Of the 293 total legislators present during the vote, members of a social-democratic faction and a far-right party chose to abstain. In contrast, several opposition groups aligned with leftist ideologies, including prominent communist and progressive parties, opposed the measure.

Under the new provision, a temporary three-month restriction will apply to individuals who arrive by boat without prior authorization. These individuals will be prevented from initiating asylum procedures and may be returned to either their country of origin or the place they departed from—without being formally registered in the asylum system.

Government officials argue that this action represents a necessary response to mounting border pressures and aligns with their constitutional responsibility to defend the nation's sovereignty and public order.

However, the decision has drawn criticism at both the national and international levels. According to observers, the UN refugee agency acknowledged the strain Greece is facing, particularly on the island of Crete, due to increased migrant flows. Still, the agency emphasized that any such policy should remain consistent with both European Union regulations and broader international legal standards.

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