A new draft law by the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum on the implementation of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum has been put up for public consultation, marking a major overhaul of Greece’s framework for managing asylum, borders, and returns.
Among other measures, the bill introduces mandatory “screening” procedures for all people entering the country irregularly, even before they gain effective access to the asylum process. According to information from fyi.news, the screening will include identity verification, biometric data collection, security checks, and health assessments before applicants can formally submit an asylum request.
At the same time, stricter and faster timelines for processing asylum applications are being introduced, accelerating rejections for cases considered “manifestly unfounded” or originating from countries with low recognition rates for international protection.
The European Pact, which received final approval in May 2024, has faced criticism for undermining human rights at Europe’s borders.
The framework also strengthens mechanisms for returns and administrative detention, while introducing provisions for the use of “return hubs” in third countries as part of the EU’s new return policy.
The European Pact, officially approved by the EU in May 2024, is presented by Brussels as an effort to create a unified and more functional asylum system across Europe.
However, it has faced strong criticism from human rights organizations. Amnesty International has warned that the new framework could normalize detention and containment practices at borders, while Human Rights Watch argues that the emphasis on deterrence and returns increases the risk of rights violations and pushbacks at the EU’s external borders.
Sourcrs: ΑMNA, open.gov, Ηuman Rights Watch, Amnesty International
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