The introduction of the new Greek immigration bill in January 2026 has ignited a fierce debate between humanitarian advocates and government officials.
At the heart of the conflict is a controversial provision that significantly stiffens penalties for NGO members—a move critics call a “war on solidarity”—while the government frames it as a necessary strike against human trafficking.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has issued a stinging critique of the bill, arguing that the Greek government is using legislative tools to “stigmatize” and “criminalize” humanitarian efforts. According to the organization, the bill introduces “draconian” amendments that reclassify membership in an NGO as an aggravating factor in migration-related offenses. Under the new law, aid workers could face:
- A minimum of 10 years in prison and a €50,000 ($59,760) fine for “facilitating illegal entry”
- Felony charges for the transportation of undocumented migrants (previously a misdemeanor), now punishable by at least 10 years and a €60,000 ($71,720) fine per person
HRW points out the timing of this bill is particularly concerning, as it follows the recent full acquittal of 24 search-and-rescue volunteers who had spent seven years fighting “baseless” charges. The group warns that these measures will result in a “chilling effect,” deterring groups from performing life-saving operations at sea for fear of life-altering legal consequences.
The government’s defense of the new immigration bill
Responding to the backlash, Migration Minister Thanos Plevris has rejected the notion that the state is targeting aid work itself. “We are not making it harder to be a member of an NGO,” Plevris clarified. “We are making it harder to be a trafficker.” Key points from the Minister’s defense include:
- Individual accountability: Plevris emphasized that criminal liability applies strictly to individuals (natural persons) caught in illegal acts, rather than the organization as a whole.
- Abuse of privilege: The government argues that NGO members often have “privileged access” to state structures and sensitive border zones. This access, Plevris contends, creates a high potential for abuse that justifies stricter legal oversight.
- Administrative oversight: Organizations will only be removed from the official NGO Registry if central management is proven to be complicit in criminal activity.
The bill arrives as Greece attempts to balance a “hard-line” border policy with the country’s growing need for a legal labor force. While the bill also includes provisions for “fast-track” visas for high-tech workers and students, the heavy focus on NGO penalties remains the most contentious flashpoint.
Related: NGOs in Greece That Received the Most EU Migration and Asylum Funding