During September-December 2025, nearly 300 migrants were detained under Greece’s new law criminalizing illegal entry, exit and residence.
Prosecutors in Hania and Iraklio filed 200 cases, contributing to over 800 nationwide by year’s end. Convictions carry two-year prison terms without suspension unless migrants agree to voluntary return; otherwise, they remain in pre-removal centers.
Detainees include Afghans, Syrians and Iraqis, despite high asylum acceptance rates – 99.8% for Afghans, 90.7% for Syrians and 62.3% for Iraqis.