Greece is tightening controls on illegal migration and creating simpler legal routes to fill labor shortages, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced.
The government plans to enforce stricter asylum rules and speed up deportations while bringing in workers to meet demand. With these changes, Greece hopes to strengthen border security and play a key role in shaping Europe’s migration policies.
Stricter controls on illegal migration
The prime minister stated that illegal entrants would be deported quickly under the new policy. “If someone enters illegally, we will do everything in our power to ensure they return to their country of origin,” Mitsotakis stated.
The revised European return system will help Greece speed up deportations by giving it the tools needed to enforce these rules effectively.
To deter illegal entry, the government plans to label Turkey as a “safe third country.” This means Greece can reject asylum claims from those who traveled through Turkey, arguing they could have applied for asylum there.
Legal migration and labor market solutions
At the same time, the Greek government is creating clear legal pathways for migrants to fill job shortages.
The Ministry of Migration will collaborate with other ministries to find sectors with the greatest need for workers, especially in agriculture and construction.
“Legal migration should be organized in a way that addresses real and documented labor shortages,” Mitsotakis affirmed.
This approach seeks to maintain border security while supporting the economy. The prime minister also stressed the need to simplify administrative procedures to make legal migration easier and more efficient.’
Infrastructure and reception facilities
Mitsotakis noted that reception centers on the eastern Aegean islands, built with support from the European Union, are now complete. Although these facilities can house new arrivals, the government hopes that they will not reach full capacity.
The improved infrastructure shows Greece’s commitment to managing migration while providing humane conditions for asylum seekers.
Changing travel and visa regulations
Greece’s new migration policies will affect both short-term visitors and long-term migrants.
When the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) launches, non-EU travelers will go through stricter security checks before entering the Schengen Area.
Although ETIAS is meant to improve border control and simplify entry, Greece’s tougher rules may result in more inspections at border points.
Asylum seekers in Greece will face faster screening, which could reduce their time in temporary facilities.
Meanwhile, legal migrants may find more job opportunities through streamlined employment pathways. Those with skills needed in sectors like agriculture and construction could receive quicker work permits.
However, people without legal status may face faster deportations under the EU’s improved return system.
Impact and future prospects
In early 2025, migration to Greece dropped by 36%, mainly due to stricter border controls and cooperation with the EU on return agreements.
Greece plans to stay involved in discussions on EU migration reform. The government is advocating for a unified return policy to ensure all member states manage migration challenges fairly and consistently.
Balancing borders and humanity
Greece is taking a tougher stance on illegal migration while opening legal pathways to address labor shortages, marking a significant shift in its migration policy under Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
With a 36% drop in migration and expanded infrastructure on the Aegean islands, the government’s determination is clear. However, the challenge will be balancing security with respect for human rights.
As Europe watches, Greece’s approach could become a model for migration management in the region.