New Bill on Legal Immigration and Stricter Controls on NGOs in Greece

A bill by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, titled "Promotion of Legal Migration Policies," has been released for public consultation. The bill aims to create a modern framework for legal immigration, which will act as a barrier to illegal immigration and meet the needs of the Greek economy and social cohesion.

The bill focuses on reducing bureaucracy and speeding up procedures for third-country nationals legally residing in Greece. Procedures for inviting workers from third countries are strengthened, and bilateral agreements with countries of origin are promoted.

Particular emphasis is placed on attracting highly skilled and knowledgeable human resources, as well as students from third countries. Residence permits are provided for the duration of studies, the right to part-time employment, and the possibility of staying after graduation to look for work.

The new framework tightens penalties for illegal migrant trafficking and regulates the framework of NGOs, enhancing transparency and tightening penalties for involvement in illegal activities. The possibility of preferential contracts between NGOs and the Ministry is abolished.

In addition, the establishment of a Migration Policy Coordination Committee and the conditional release with deportation of migrants serving misdemeanor sentences are foreseen.