The Greek Parliament has adopted a law that criminalizes illegal residence and provides for the forced return of rejected asylum seekers, despite international criticism.

The new law adopted by the Greek Parliament criminalizes illegal entry, punishable by imprisonment between two and five years, and allows for the "forced return" of rejected asylum seekers. Criticized by international organizations and opposition parties, the law was supported by the conservative government of New Democracy and its allies. The Minister of Migration stated that illegal immigrants will be detained and that they will not obtain legal status in Greece, thus tightening immigration policy in the context of recent migrant arrivals.