Greece’s newly appointed Migration and Asylum Minister Makis Voridis announced on Wednesday the withdrawal of a provision that would have extended deadlines granting residence permits to migrants.
Citing the need for stricter migration policies and tighter controls, Voridis told Parliament that “if there is ultimately a need for an extension,” he could reconsider.
The provision was initially included in a Public Order Ministry multi-bill and had been submitted by the previous leadership of the Migration and Asylum Ministry.
“We are deleting it because I want to assess whether there is a real need for such an extension,” Voridis said.
The revoked paragraph provided for an extension until 30/9 for the granting of a new type of residence permit. The minister added that he wants to examine whether it is consistent with more restrictive policies against illegal immigration that he wishes to introduce.
“Any potential extension must align with more restrictive policies against illegal immigration,” he said.
Minister Voridis also noted that the regulations for the process of seasonal farm workers will be extended.
The move officially inaugurates the tightening of the framework of Greece’s immigration policy and is not a surprise by a minister with far-right past.