Athens authorities target illegal migrant dormitories

Greek authorities are preparing legislative measures to crack down on illegal housing practices in Athens, where apartments are being converted into overcrowded ‘dormitories’ for migrants. Following numerous resident complaints, the Ministry of Citizen Protection is drafting a law to target exploitative landlords who charge per-person fees—often 20 to 30 euros per night—rather than standard rent. These practices have led to severe hygiene issues and significant tax evasion.

Minister of Citizen Protection Michalis Chrysochoidis emphasized that the priority is ensuring the safety of residents in multi-story buildings, noting that some apartments house between 30 and 40 people at a time. The proposed law aims to penalize landlords with heavy fines, potentially up to 10,000 euros, and criminal liability, while treating the migrants as victims of exploitation rather than targets.

Separately, Minister of Migration and Asylum Thanos Plevris addressed the broader context of migration, condemning human traffickers as criminals who treat people as commodities. He noted that while the Hellenic Coast Guard continues to protect borders, there is concern regarding increased maritime crossings as winter approaches.