Fifty-six civil society organizations have signed a joint statement criticizing Greece’s proposed changes to its immigration code. As the Greek parliament begins debating the new bill, the groups say the law could criminalize humanitarian work and make it harder for organizations to support migrants and refugees.
The draft law was introduced by the Greek Ministry of Immigration and is presented as a measure to strengthen legal migration policies and fight migrant smuggling. However, many non-governmental organizations argue that some parts of the proposal directly target their activities and could expose aid workers to serious criminal charges.
One of the most controversial points is a provision that would treat NGO affiliation as an aggravating factor if a member is convicted of certain migration-related crimes. According to the draft, any employee of an NGO listed on the official immigration ministry registry who is found guilty of helping with irregular entry or exit could face a minimum prison sentence of 10 years and a fine of at least €50,000.
The bill also proposes that transporting an undocumented migrant could be classified as a felony, punishable by at least 10 years in prison and a minimum fine of €60,000. Registration in the ministry’s NGO registry is required for organizations that want to operate in reception centers and migrant facilities, especially on Greece’s islands.
In their statement, the 56 organizations said these measures appear designed to “intimidate” groups working with migrants. Signatories include well-known organizations such as Doctors Without Borders (MSF), the Greek Refugees Council, and Intersos Hellas. They called on the government to withdraw the draft law and warned that it could seriously restrict humanitarian support.
The NGOs also said that European and international bodies, including the European Union, the Council of Europe, and the United Nations, have for years urged Greece to remove what they describe as unfair limits on civil society groups assisting migrants and refugees. Instead, they argue, the new proposal increases legal risks for those providing help.
Greek Immigration Minister Thanos Plevris has rejected the criticism. He said the government is not trying to criminalize civil society organizations but is focused on stopping human traffickers and networks that exploit irregular migration routes. According to him, the law targets criminal activity rather than humanitarian assistance.
The debate highlights growing tension in Greece over migration management, border control, and the role of NGOs. As lawmakers continue discussions, rights groups warn that the outcome could shape how humanitarian work is carried out in the country for years to come.