Minister of Migration and Asylum Thanos Plevris spoke about immigration, asylum, and the smuggling networks involved.

As he stated on OPEN TV, “The networks adapt according to the policies being implemented.”

The minister outlined the three key measures the government is taking regarding migrants whose asylum applications have been rejected.

Firstly, he said that it is now a standalone criminal offense to remain in the country after your asylum request has been denied. This means that the migrant will be taken directly from the facilities to court in a fast-track procedure, tried, and sent to prison—unless they choose to cooperate and return to their country of origin.

Furthermore, Mr. Plevris stated that all forms of migrant legalization are now being abolished. “Those who used to say, ‘I’ll enter illegally and in a few years I’ll get legalized’—that’s no longer an option.”

“Once you enter the country illegally, you will never be legalized,” he made clear.

Thirdly, he said that migrants whose asylum applications are rejected will now be fitted with electronic ankle monitors and placed under surveillance.