Public consultation launched for the framework to implement the Pact on Migration and Asylum

In May 2026, the new draft law for the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum was posted for public consultation, ushering in a comprehensive reform of the national framework for managing irregular migration, asylum and returns.

With the new framework, the government aims to strengthen protection of the EU's external borders, accelerate asylum procedures, and establish stricter and more effective return mechanisms for those who are not entitled to international protection or legal residence in the country.

The bill under consultation incorporates the basic provisions of the Pact and, at the same time, frontloads critical elements of the new Return Regulation under negotiation, with the aim of forming a modern, strict and functional system for managing migration flows. In particular, the new framework provides for:

• Mandatory screening procedure for all irregularly entering third-country nationals, with full identity verification, biometric data collection, security checks and health checks.
• Acceleration of border asylum procedures with strict and binding processing timelines.
• Implementation of faster procedures for rejecting applications that are deemed manifestly unfounded or are submitted by nationals of countries with low recognition rates for international protection.
• Strengthening the framework for detention and administrative monitoring of persons subject to return procedures.
• Creation of a mechanism for more effective returns, with increased cooperation with European organizations and EU member states. The framework also includes provisions for the use of return hubs in third countries, within the framework of the new European return policy.
• Upgrading the utilisation of European registration and identification systems, including the new Eurodac.
• Strengthening operational cooperation with EU agencies for the surveillance of external borders and the implementation of returns.

According to the government, the country's immigration policy is based on clear rules: protection for those who truly deserve it, but also immediate and effective return for those who do not meet the conditions for international protection or legal residence.

The full text of the bill, together with a number of associated documents, such as an analysis of its consequences, are available as pdf files (in Greek) here: https://www.hellenicparliament.gr/Nomothetiko-Ergo/Anazitisi-Nomothetikou-Ergou?law_id=fa1f20de-a5f8-4704-9b87-b45600ebe012