THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
Greece has passed a controversial new migration law that imposes harsher penalties on rejected asylum-seekers and tightens government control over migration-related NGOs, drawing widespread criticisms from civil society and human rights groups.
Under the new legislation, individuals whose asylum applications are rejected must leave Greece within 14 days. Failure to comply can result in prison sentences of two to five years, fines of up to €10,000, and mandatory electronic ankle monitoring. The law also extends detention periods for undocumented migrants from 18 to 24 months and removes the possibility for long-term undocumented residents to regularize their status—a process that previously allowed residents to apply for a permit after seven years of continuous stay.
The Greek government argues that these measures are necessary to deter irregular migration and enhance border security, while also using electronic monitoring to expedite deportations.
However, the law has sparked strong opposition. Legal experts, administrative judges, the Greek Ombudsman and international human rights organizations warn that it violates fundamental rights, undermines the right to asylum and contradicts the principle of non-refoulement, which protects individuals from being returned to countries where they face serious threats.
Civil society groups have also expressed alarm over proposed changes that would give the government increased authority to control migration-related NGOs. Organizations that oppose government policies or challenge state decisions risk being removed from the official registry. Losing registry status would block access to state-run migrant facilities, making it harder for NGOs to assist and monitor the conditions of detained migrants.
The law is expected to have a profound impact on migrants, particularly those from African countries. Extended detention periods, fines and electronic monitoring could increase the challenges faced by individuals already in precarious situations.
In September, four civil society organizations formally requested the European Commission to investigate Greece’s three-month suspension of the right to asylum for people arriving from North Africa by sea. They argue that the measure breaches EU and international human rights standards and have called for urgent intervention to protect the rights of affected migrants.
Human rights advocates emphasize that while border security is important, it must not come at the expense of migrants’ dignity, safety and fundamental rights.
Adira Kallo
