Plevris: We will not allow Greece to become "a country of open borders"

Migration and Asylum Minister Thanos Plevris said that the sharp decrease in migration flows following the three-month suspension of asylum was impressive, speaking on Tuesday on Mega TV. He added that the government will not allow Greece to become "a country of open borders."

"In Greece, it’s not only the persecuted who arrive, but also the spoiled," the minister stressed, making it clear that the government will not permit the country to become one of "open borders" or to welcome those who enter illegally "with flowers." He announced that at the end of August, a bill will be introduced in Parliament that will criminalise illegal residence. "Was your asylum application rejected? That’s a criminal offence, punishable by two to five years in prison," he said pointedly.

The minister pointed out that migration flows have shown an impressive decline following the three-month suspension of asylum, while highlighting as a top priority the increase in returns—whether voluntary or forced—in cooperation with third countries. At the same time, he criticized NGOs that have filed appeals against the amendment, stressing that "we will not accept boatloads arriving and the government not responding."