Greece Approves Law to Speed Deportations and Create Migration Centers Outside EU

The Greek parliament passed a new migration law that accelerates the removal of asylum seekers whose applications have been rejected. The legislation authorises the transfer of these individuals to "repatriation centers" located in third‑country states once bilateral agreements are secured. Greek officials say the first centers could become operational as early as next year, with talks already underway with the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Austria and two African nations. Earlier negotiations with Uganda have been suspended.

The move aligns with recently adopted EU rules allowing member states to send migrants to external transit facilities, but it has drawn sharp criticism from human‑rights organisations warning of potential abuses. Greece, the southernmost EU country and a primary entry point for migrants crossing the Mediterranean, has seen a recent surge in arrivals on islands such as Crete and Gavdos, prompting the government to seek faster and more coordinated deportation mechanisms.